New York (TDI): Italy and Spain announced they are sending naval vessels to support a humanitarian flotilla headed toward Gaza after several of its ships were reportedly struck by drones in the Mediterranean.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a coalition of volunteer groups sailing nearly 50 boats from ports across the region, said some of its vessels came under attack in recent days. The group accused Israel of carrying out the strikes as part of an intimidation campaign aimed at preventing the delivery of aid to the besieged enclave. The flotilla, carrying more than 500 unarmed participants, is transporting medical supplies and other humanitarian assistance.
In a statement, the organizers warned of “an alarmingly dangerous escalation” with explosions and unidentified objects dropped near boats, causing serious damage and disrupting communications. The flotilla’s mission is to break Israel’s blockade and directly deliver aid to Gaza.
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Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attack, saying the convoy had been targeted by “currently unidentified perpetrators.” He authorized the immediate deployment of the Italian Navy frigate Fasan, which was nearby as part of Operation Safe Sea, according to media reports. “The vessel is already en route to the area for possible rescue operations,” Crosetto said in a statement, adding that peaceful protests carried out within international law must be safeguarded.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also announced that his government would send a warship to join the mission. Speaking in New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, Sanchez said citizens from 45 countries were aboard the flotilla, delivering food and showing solidarity with the people of Gaza.
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The Israeli Foreign Ministry warned that it would take “necessary measures” to prevent the flotilla from breaching what it called a “lawful naval blockade.” It urged participants to instead allow aid to be delivered via Israeli ports, stressing that no vessel would be permitted to enter “an active combat zone.”
