MEDITERRANEAN SEA – In a significant escalation of international involvement, Italy and Spain have deployed naval vessels to escort a civilian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, following a series of drone attacks on the humanitarian mission. The move signals growing European concern over the safety of the operation and the upholding of maritime law.
The intervention comes after the activist-organized Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) reported being targeted by drones in international waters. According to passengers and organizers, the aircraft dropped flashbang explosive devices and other unidentified objects near multiple vessels, an act described by the flotilla as an “alarmingly dangerous escalation.”
Official Statements and Military Deployment
The Italian government was the first to act, announcing the dispatch of a frigate on Wednesday. On Thursday, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed a second ship was en route.
“We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality,” Crosetto stated in an address to the lower house of parliament, underscoring Rome’s commitment to ensuring the flotilla’s safe passage.
Spain swiftly followed suit. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from New York where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly, affirmed his country’s participation on Wednesday. He framed the deployment as a necessary measure to protect civilians and uphold international law.
“The government of Spain demands that international law be complied with and that the right of its citizens to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected,” Sánchez told reporters. “Tomorrow we will dispatch a naval vessel from Cartagena with all necessary resources in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out a rescue operation.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the flotilla, which includes citizens from 45 nations, has a legal right to sail unimpeded.
Details of the Attack and Flotilla’s Mission
The incident that prompted the military response occurred Wednesday night. Activists aboard the flotilla’s vessels reported being harassed by low-flying drones and aircraft. The drones were described as dropping flashbang stun grenades—devices designed to disorient and intimidate with a blinding flash and a loud explosion—directly on and around the boats.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip, where the population faces a severe humanitarian crisis. The mission aims to break the maritime blockade of Gaza and draw international attention to the situation. While organizers did not explicitly attribute the attacks, the context points to Israeli involvement, though this has not been officially confirmed by the Israeli government.
The deployment of European naval power introduces a new dimension to the long-standing tensions surrounding aid missions to Gaza. It sets a precedent for direct military protection of civilian-led humanitarian efforts in the region and raises the stakes for any further attempts to disrupt the flotilla’s progress.
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Comments are closed.