Italy deploys second warship as Global Sumud Flotilla comes under drone attack

Italy has dispatched a second naval vessel to the eastern Mediterranean in response to escalating tensions surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which reported a drone attack while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced.

Speaking before the lower house of parliament, Crosetto stated, "We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality." The deployment includes two frigates, with the second vessel joining the first warship that was dispatched on September 24, shortly after the flotilla reported coming under aerial assault, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The GSF, comprising approximately 50 civilian vessels, aims to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla includes a number of international activists and legal observers, among them Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg.

According to the flotilla's organizers, the attack occurred in international waters roughly 30 nautical miles (56 kilometers) off the coast of Gavdos, a Greek island. The group alleges that drones dropped stun grenades and chemical irritants, and attributed the assault to Israel.

While the Israeli Foreign Ministry has not formally responded to the allegations, it reiterated its offer for the flotilla to offload its aid at an Israeli port. From there, Israeli authorities have pledged to deliver the supplies to Gaza. The ministry also warned that failure to comply could lead to consequences.

Spain, meanwhile, has followed suit, announcing the deployment of its own naval vessel, the Furor (P-46), to the region to protect Spanish citizens participating in the flotilla.

Crosetto urged caution among the activists and advised them to reconsider their course of action. "We cannot guarantee the safety of our fellow citizens if they enter the territorial waters of other countries," he said. He also encouraged them to accept an alternative Italian proposal: to transfer their aid cargo to Italian authorities for distribution in Gaza via the local Catholic Church.

As of September 25, the GSF reported its ships were proceeding at reduced speed within Greek territorial waters, experiencing “moderate drone activity” overnight, and expected to enter international waters “later today.”

By Vafa Guliyeva