Italy Condemns Drone Attacks on Gaza Aid Flotilla, Dispatches Naval Vessel Amidst Controversy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned a recent drone attack on a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, while simultaneously criticizing the mission itself as “dangerous and irresponsible.” Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Meloni suggested the mission was designed to “create problems” for her government.

The condemnation follows Italy’s decision to dispatch the multipurpose frigate Fasan to assist the convoy of approximately 50 vessels, which includes numerous pro-Palestinian activists, notably Greta Thunberg. The attack, which occurred late on Tuesday in international waters off Greece, marks the third such incident targeting the flotilla this month. While no injuries have been reported, several boats sustained damage.

Meloni clarified that the Italian naval vessel is not expected to use military force. Her government has proposed a compromise to the flotilla activists: transferring the aid to Cyprus and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to prevent further risks, and is awaiting their response.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), the mission’s organizer, reported “multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,” describing the events as “psychological operations.” Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also issued a strong condemnation of the attacks by “currently unidentified perpetrators.”

Activists on board, including German human rights activist Yasemin Acar and Italian MEP Benedetta Scuderi, recounted witnessing numerous drones, jammed radios, and stun grenades hitting vessels. The search and rescue vessel Life Support corroborated reports of drone attacks and explosions.

Israel has repeatedly criticized the flotilla, accusing its activists of complicity with Hamas. The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona in late August with the stated aim to “break the illegal siege of Gaza,” currently comprises 51 vessels, mostly positioned off the Greek island of Crete. Israel reiterated on Monday that it would not permit the flotilla to reach Gaza.

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