Spain and Italy Deploy Naval Vessels to Protect Gaza Flotilla After Drone Attacks

European Navies Respond to Flotilla's Distress Calls

Spain and Italy have deployed naval vessels to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian aid convoy bound for Gaza, after activists reported multiple drone attacks and communications jamming near Greece. The GSF, comprising over 50 civilian boats and hundreds of activists from more than 40 countries, aims to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and deliver essential supplies, including food and medicine.

The decision by the two European nations comes amidst escalating tensions surrounding the flotilla's journey, which began from Barcelona on September 1st. Activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, have described the attacks as a 'crazy, crazy nightmare' and a 'dangerous escalation'.

Details of Alleged Drone Attacks

The GSF reported several instances of attacks, with the most recent occurring late Tuesday night and early Wednesday (September 23-24) while the flotilla was sailing south of Greece, near Crete and Gavdos. Activists claimed to have experienced 'unidentified drones and communications jamming,' with 'at least 13 explosions' heard on and around several boats. Drones reportedly dropped 'unidentified objects,' including flashbang-style explosive devices, suspected chemicals, and itching powder, on at least 10 vessels.

While no casualties were reported, activists noted damage to vessels and widespread obstruction in communications. One activist recounted that ABBA music was played over their radio channels during the jamming. Earlier attacks were also reported twice in Tunisia on September 8 and 9. No state has claimed responsibility for these incidents, and the Israeli military has not confirmed or denied involvement. However, Israel's Foreign Ministry has accused the flotilla organizers of links to Hamas, an accusation the organizers reject, and reiterated its stance against any breach of its naval blockade.

Spain and Italy's Stated Intentions

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the drone attacks, stating that 'actions of this type, carried out against civilian boats on the open sea, are totally unacceptable.' Italy initially dispatched the frigate Fasan, a Carlo Bergamini-class vessel, and later sent a second ship, the Alpino, to the area. Crosetto emphasized that the deployment was 'not an act of war, it is not a provocation: it is an act of humanity, which is a duty of a state toward its citizens,' primarily for possible rescue operations and to protect Italian nationals.

Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would dispatch a naval vessel, identified as the Furor, a Meteoro-class offshore patrol vessel, from Cartagena. Sánchez stated the deployment was to safeguard Spanish citizens on board and ensure their right to navigate the Mediterranean safely. The Spanish vessel is equipped with medical staff and can accommodate up to 80 people. Notably, reports indicate the Spanish warship is armed with Israeli-made Rafael defense systems.

Both Italy and Spain have advised the flotilla to remain in international waters. Italy has also suggested that the aid be handed over for distribution by the Catholic Church in Gaza or via the Israeli port of Ashkelon, rather than attempting to breach the blockade directly. The GSF, currently approximately 460-500 nautical miles from Gaza, is described as the largest civilian-led maritime convoy in history, highlighting the growing international pressure for humanitarian access to the besieged territory.