Italy and Spain have deployed naval ships to protect the Global Resilience Flotilla after it faced drone attacks while attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of nearly 50 civilian vessels, includes lawyers, parliamentarians, and activists, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The deployment marks a significant escalation in tensions with Israel, highlighting the humanitarian mission’s high stakes.
The Italian Ministry of Defense stated that a frigate was dispatched within hours of the drone attack to safeguard the flotilla. The ship targeted earlier by drones will later be replaced by another vessel to ensure continued protection for aid operations. Officials emphasized that this action is defensive and aimed solely at protecting civilians involved in delivering critical assistance.
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Defense Minister Guido Crosetto addressed the Senate, stressing that the operation is not a military initiative nor an act of provocation. He described it as a humanitarian effort, representing a state’s responsibility to safeguard both its citizens and civilians engaged in relief missions in conflict zones.
In addition, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Belgium, France, and other European nations requested Italy’s assistance to protect their citizens participating in the flotilla. Italy has coordinated closely with these countries to ensure the safe passage of aid vessels through the high-risk waters near Gaza.
Italy initially proposed unloading the humanitarian supplies in Cyprus, transferring them to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which could distribute them in Gaza. However, the flotilla rejected this plan, insisting that its primary objective remains breaking the maritime blockade and directly delivering aid to the besieged population.
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The Italian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to the flotilla’s mission, highlighting the importance of maintaining international humanitarian principles while navigating diplomatic and security challenges. Observers say the operation could further strain Israel’s relations with European countries, underlining the delicate balance between humanitarian assistance and political tensions.