NATO stays out of Gaza aid flotilla mission as Italy and Spain deploy warships

NATO is not playing a role in protecting the Gaza Sumud Flotilla (GSF), despite Italy and Spain dispatching naval vessels to accompany the aid convoy.

The flotilla’s confrontation with Israel, however, risks further straining relations between the European Union and Israel.

“Allies remain deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East,” a NATO official told EUobserver on September 25. The official clarified that “NATO does not play a role in this conflict, but we commend the efforts of allies to promote peace and end the suffering,” while emphasising that Italian and Spanish authorities bear responsibility for any potential clashes with Israeli forces.

Article V of the NATO treaty — stating that “an attack against one ally is considered as an attack against all allies” — applies primarily to territorial defence and not to individual expeditionary operations conducted by allies overseas.

Italy has dispatched the frigate Fasan, diverted from a NATO exercise, to accompany the flotilla. Spain has sent a gunboat after a suspected Israeli drone attack on the aid ships in international waters approximately 55 kilometres from the Greek island of Crete on September 24. The drones reportedly fired grenades at the convoy.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the Italian navy is prepared “for any eventuality” but added that it “cannot guarantee the safety of our fellow citizens if they enter the territorial waters of other countries [Israel].” Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasised that the role of the Spanish warship is primarily “in case it was necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out a rescue operation.”

Greece, meanwhile, has declined to deploy naval forces but will “guarantee the [flotilla’s] safe sailing” within Greek waters, according to Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.

The Greek, Italian, and Spanish interventions were prompted by the presence of their nationals — including several MPs and Members of the European Parliament — onboard the GSF.

Israel has previously intercepted aid ships attempting to reach Gaza. In June, a lone aid vessel was stopped, and another in July was detained and its passengers deported.

By Tamilla Hasanova