New York / Mediterranean Sea —Spain and Italy have announced the deployment of naval vessels to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, after activists reported a wave of Israeli drone attacks on aid ships sailing in international waters toward Gaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, said Spain would not tolerate violations of international law.
“The government of Spain demands that international law be complied with and that the right of its citizens to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected,” Sánchez said. “Tomorrow we will dispatch a naval vessel from Cartagena with all necessary resources in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out a rescue operation.”
The flotilla, made up of around 50 boats carrying aid and activists from 45 nations, is seeking to break Israel’s 17-year blockade of Gaza—a blockade that humanitarian groups say amounts to collective punishment.
Drone Attacks and Communications Blackouts
On Wednesday night, flotilla participants reported that Israeli drones swooped low over several vessels, dropping flashbang-type devices and unidentified objects, while deliberately jamming communications. Organizers condemned the incidents as “a blatant act of aggression” and “an alarmingly dangerous escalation.”
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto denounced the overnight attacks, and the Italian navy confirmed it was dispatching a frigate to provide cover for the flotilla. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also demanded that Israel respect the rights of civilians, stressing that Italian lawmakers, MEPs, journalists, and activists were aboard the fleet.
“Any operation by Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution,” the Italian foreign ministry said.
Calls for Accountability at the UN
The Global Sumud Flotilla urged UN member states to put the attacks on the agenda of the General Assembly, warning that Israel was openly flouting maritime law by endangering civilian ships in international waters.
Among those aboard is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who accused Israel of using intimidation tactics.
“This mission is about Gaza; it isn’t about us,” Thunberg said via video call from her ship. “And no risks that we could take could even come close to the risks the Palestinians are facing every day.”
Despite the escalating threats, organizers vowed the flotilla would press ahead with its mission, declaring that Israel’s intimidation “will not succeed in silencing global solidarity with Gaza.”