Italy and Spain Deploy Warships to Protect Gaza Flotilla Amid Drone Attacks
In an unprecedented move, Italy and Spain have dispatched naval frigates to secure the Global Sumud Flotilla after the Gaza-bound aid vessels reported multiple drone attacks off the coast of Greece. The flotilla, carrying several hundred participants from 45 countries, including around 60 Italians and four parliamentarians, seeks to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.
Background on the Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a civilian fleet of about 50 ships that set sail from Barcelona early in September. They carry humanitarian supplies and activists, aiming to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla claims to have been subjected to at least 13 drone attacks, dropping 'flashbang' devices and causing multiple explosions around the fleet.
Unprecedented Intervention by Italy and Spain
Following these reported attacks, Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced the deployment of a second naval frigate to support the flotilla. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also confirmed the dispatch of a naval vessel, followed by a similar action by Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the deployment of the Furor P-46, a Spanish Navy high-seas patrol ship with a crew of 50 specialised sailors, to assist its citizens on board the flotilla. Spain will ... protect its nationals, and we will do so both diplomatically and politically,
Sanchez stated.
Israeli Stance and International Reactions
Israel has accused the flotilla of being complicit with Hamas and has warned against any attempts to breach its naval blockade. The Israeli foreign ministry said that it would not allow the flotilla to enter an active combat zone and suggested the vessels dock at Ashkelon, from where the aid could be delivered to Gaza. Activists aboard the flotilla have rejected Israel's proposal.
In contrast, the United Nations has called for an end to the attacks on the flotilla and demanded an independent, impartial, and thorough investigation into the reported drone strikes. The European Union also warned against further attempts to attack the Gaza-bound flotilla. Meanwhile, the British government has stated that it cannot offer diplomatic protection to its citizens onboard the flotilla.
Current Status
Despite the drone strikes and threats, the flotilla continues its mission to deliver aid to Gaza. The intervention by Italy and Spain marks a significant escalation in international efforts to secure the flotilla. As the vessels continue their journey, the involvement of these European powers has highlighted the growing international tension surrounding the flotilla's mission.