Italy and Spain Deploy Warships to Protect Gaza Aid Missions

Italy and Spain have dispatched naval vessels to safeguard an international flotilla delivering aid to Gaza, following a drone attack on the boats. This unprecedented decision heightens tensions with Israel, which opposes the initiative. The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprises approximately 50 civilian boats carrying lawyers, parliamentarians, and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Their mission aims to breach Israel’s naval blockade.

In a statement on Wednesday, Italy’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the deployment of a frigate hours after the flotilla was targeted en route to Gaza. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that the mission is a humanitarian effort, stating, “It is not an act of war, it is not a provocation: it is an act of humanity, which is a duty of a state towards its citizens.” The frigate will be replaced by another vessel shortly, underscoring Italy’s commitment to the mission.

The Italian foreign ministry revealed that nations including Belgium and France had requested assistance for their citizens involved in the flotilla. Italy proposed an alternative plan where aid supplies could be delivered to Cyprus and then transferred to the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for distribution in Gaza. This proposal received backing from Israel, but the flotilla rejected the compromise, asserting, “Our mission stays true to its original goal of breaking Israel’s illegal siege and delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged population of Gaza.”

Spain has also joined the effort by sending a warship to support the flotilla, marking a significant move by European governments in this context.

The situation is reminiscent of previous attempts to breach the Gaza blockade, which have often ended in violence. In 2010, Israeli commandos killed ten Turkish activists aboard the Mavi Marmara aid ship. Despite this history, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a staunch ally of Israel, has stated that no use of force is expected from Italy’s navy. She characterized the flotilla’s mission as “gratuitous, dangerous and irresponsible.”

The flotilla has accused Israel of being behind the drone attack, which involved the dropping of stun grenades and itching powder on boats near the Greek island of Gavdos. While Israel has not directly addressed these accusations, officials have reiterated that aid can be delivered through nearby ports. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the rejection of the Cyprus plan, asserting that it indicates the flotilla’s “real purpose is provocation and serving Hamas.” He added, “Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade.”

Tensions in the region are escalating, with the flotilla reporting “moderate drone activity” overnight. Some activists have opted to disembark, reflecting growing concerns for their safety. Annalisa Corrado, an EU lawmaker from Italy’s opposition Democratic Party, expressed the gravity of the situation, noting, “It is clear that tensions are rising, and with them, risks are also rising.”

The backdrop to these developments includes Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, initiated following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 abductions. Since then, Gaza health authorities report that over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, amid widespread famine, destruction, and mass displacement.

As the flotilla continues its journey, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could have significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts.