Italy and Spain Navies Deploy to Protect Gaza Aid Flotilla Targeted in Drone Attacks !

09/26/2025

In an unprecedented move in the eastern Mediterranean, the Italian and Spanish governments have dispatched naval vessels to assist the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led humanitarian mission attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. This decision comes after the flotilla reported being targeted by multiple drone attacks, causing significant damage to several boats and raising urgent safety concerns for the hundreds of activists on board .

The flotilla, described as the largest coordinated civilian humanitarian convoy in history, comprises between 40 and 50 vessels that set sail from various Mediterranean ports, including Barcelona, Genoa, and Tunis . Its mission is to deliver critical aid, such as baby formula, medicine, and food, and to establish a permanent humanitarian sea corridor to Gaza, where UN agencies report a catastrophic and worsening hunger crisis .

An “Act of Humanity” in Response to Escalating Threats

The situation for the flotilla escalated dangerously on the night of September 24th. Participants reported drones hovering over boats, multiple explosions, and widespread communication jamming. Organizers stated this marked the seventh attack on their vessels since the mission began, with at least four boats sustaining damage .

In response, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced the deployment of naval frigates Virginio Fasan and Alpino, characterizing the move as “an act of humanity, which is a duty of a state towards its citizens.” He issued the “strongest condemnation” of the attacks, the perpetrators of which remain officially unidentified .

Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that the patrol vessel Furor had sailed from Cartagena. He stated the government demands “that international law be complied with and that the right of its citizens to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected”.

A Mission Navigating Political Crosscurrents

The naval deployments highlight a sharp political divide. Spain’s government, a vocal critic of Israel, has framed its action as a demand for upholding international law . Italy’s right-wing government, which has more often backed Israel, has taken a more conditional stance. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the flotilla’s mission as “gratuitous, dangerous and irresponsible” and urged organizers to transfer their aid to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Cyprus for distribution—an offer the flotilla rejected .

The flotilla’s organizers maintain their mission is purely humanitarian and non-violent, denying any links to Hamas or other political groups. They argue that the Israeli blockade, which has led to what the UN describes as one of the world’s worst hunger crises, is illegal under international law, justifying their direct action .

Israel’s government has vowed to “not allow any vessel to enter the active combat zone” and breach its naval blockade. It has repeatedly urged the flotilla to divert its cargo to the Israeli port of Ashdod, promising to forward the aid to Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has accused the flotilla of pursuing a “provocative and violent course” by refusing this offer .

A Tense Final Leg

As the flotilla continues its journey, the presence of European naval ships introduces a new dynamic to the long-standing struggle to break the sea blockade of Gaza. The Italian and Spanish vessels are expected to operate within strict legal limits, focusing on protection, support, and potential search-and-rescue operations rather than acting as a formal escort .

The coming days will test whether this naval presence can deter further attacks and ensure the safety of the hundreds of unarmed civilians at sea, all while navigating the complex and volatile geopolitics of the Mediterranean.

References

1. Al Jazeera. (2025, September 25). Why have Spain and Italy sent ships to assist the Gaza Sumud flotilla?

2. Global Sumud Flotilla. (2025). We’re Sailing to Gaza.

3. Wikipedia. (2025, September). May 2025 drone attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

4. UN News. (2025, August). Aid blockade deepens Gaza crisis as malnutrition deaths rise, warns UNRWA.

5. Democracy Now! (2025, September 25). Italy, Spain Deploy Naval Ships After Drones Repeatedly Attack Gaza-Bound Flotilla.

6. Freedom Flotilla Coalition. (2025). Home.

7. The New York Times. (2025, September 23). Aid Flotilla Headed for Gaza Says It’s Under Drone Attack.

8. World Health Organization. (2025, May 12). People in Gaza starving, sick and dying as aid blockade continues.

9. Wikipedia. (2025, September). Global Sumud Flotilla.

10. CNN. (2025, May 2). Aid ship bound for Gaza catches fire after alleged Israeli drone attack off Malta.