Gaza Aid Flotilla Reports Drone Attack; Italy and Spain Send Naval Support

A flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza has reported a drone attack south of Greece, prompting immediate responses from Italy and Spain, which have dispatched naval vessels for potential rescue operations. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 50 vessels, stated that some of its boats were targeted by “unidentified drones” during the night, experiencing “at least 13 explosions” and widespread communications jamming.

While no casualties were reported, activists confirmed damage to vessels and significant disruption to communications. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attack, activating the frigate Fasan to the area. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also announced the deployment of a patrol vessel, emphasizing the demand for compliance with international law and safe navigation for their citizens.

Organizers of the flotilla, carrying symbolic amounts of food and medicine, reject Israeli accusations of links to Hamas. Israel maintains its blockade of Gaza is necessary to prevent arms importation and has offered for aid to be unloaded at Ashkelon port rather than breaching the blockade.

The European Union has called for upholding freedom of navigation, and the UN Human Rights Office demanded an investigation into the incident. Activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, described the strikes as a “scare tactic” intended to deter their mission, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

This incident marks the latest in a series of reported attacks since the flotilla set sail on September 1st, representing the largest effort to date to challenge Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing conflict.

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