Spain and Italy Deploy Naval Ships After Drone Attacks Target Gaza-Bound Flotilla
New York / Rome / Athens – Spain and Italy are sending naval ships to assist a pro-Palestinian flotilla after a series of drone attacks targeted vessels heading to Gaza.
“We are concerned, and that is why we will be deploying a ship to ensure that, if necessary, our citizens can be rescued and brought back to Spain,” Spain’s government said at a press conference in New York, adding that the ship is scheduled to depart on Thursday.
Italy also announced the deployment of a navy frigate to support the flotilla. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the Italian Navy’s multi-purpose frigate Fasan, currently north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea, is already en route for possible rescue operations.
“The strongest condemnation goes to the attack on the flotilla, carried out using drones by currently unidentified perpetrators,” Crosetto said.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed he had asked Israel to ensure the safety of Italian citizens, including members of parliament and MEPs, who are on board the flotilla. The ministry stressed that any operations by Israeli forces must comply with international law and prioritize caution.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed Barcelona earlier this month, aims to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver aid to the territory. The fleet now includes 51 vessels, most of them off the Greek island of Crete.
The flotilla has already faced attacks in Tunisia, where some vessels were targeted in two suspected drone strikes. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those who joined the flotilla in North Africa.
Israel, which prevented two earlier flotilla attempts in June and July, reiterated on Monday that it would not allow the ships to reach Gaza.
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