Spain and Italy send warships to protect Gaza-bound flotilla after drone attacks

• Israel is threatening to intercept a 50-ship humanitarian flotilla carrying 500 activists and politicians to break Gaza’s blockade, despite European warships now escorting it.
• Drones attacked the flotilla near Greece, with activists blaming Israel, as Spain and Italy deploy naval protection in an unprecedented challenge to Israel’s illegal siege.
• Israel calls the mission a Hamas provocation, but organizers insist it is legal under international law, rejecting a Cyprus offload compromise to maintain their defiant stance.
• Over 65,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, sparking mass protests in Europe, where Spain condemns Israel’s war while Italy’s right-wing government sends warships despite calling the mission reckless.
• The standoff tests whether Europe’s naval force can break Israel’s genocide-enabling blockade or if Israel will risk direct confrontation to maintain its stranglehold on Gaza.

The Mediterranean is now a flashpoint in the escalating crisis over Gaza, as Spain and Italy have dispatched warships to protect a civilian flotilla carrying humanitarian aid after it came under drone attacks.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of 50 ships with 500 activists and politicians aboard, was targeted off the coast of Greece, with activists blaming Israel for the assault. The move marks an unprecedented European intervention as Israel vows to enforce its naval blockade, even if it means confronting allied nations.

The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona in early September, has faced repeated sabotage attempts. Activists reported drones dropping explosive devices near the ships, causing explosions. Despite Israeli warnings that it would stop any vessel from breaching its blockade, the flotilla pressed forward, rejecting a compromise proposal to unload aid in Cyprus. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, though critical of the mission as “gratuitous, dangerous and irresponsible,” confirmed that Italy would protect its citizens aboard.

A humanitarian mission under fire

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a vocal critic of Israel’s war on Gaza, framed the naval deployment as a defense of international law. “The government of Spain demands that international law be complied with and that the right of its citizens to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected,” he stated. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed this stance, calling the mission “an act of humanity” rather than a provocation.

Yet Israel remains defiant. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the flotilla of serving Hamas, stating, “Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone.” The flotilla’s organizers insist their mission is legal under the Geneva Convention and UN maritime law, which protects humanitarian aid deliveries. Previous attempts to break the blockade, such as the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, where Israeli commandos killed 10 activists, highlight the risks.

Europe’s divided stance on Gaza

While Spain has openly condemned Israel’s actions, Italy’s right-wing government has historically supported Tel Aviv. Meloni’s criticism of the flotilla as “dangerous” contrasts with her decision to send naval protection, revealing internal tensions. Meanwhile, mass protests in Italy and Spain show growing public outrage over Israel’s war, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians and left Gaza in ruins.

The flotilla’s rejection of the Cyprus compromise underscores its determination. “Our mission stays true to its original goal of breaking Israel’s illegal siege,” declared the Italian delegation. With Israel’s blockade tightening and famine spreading in Gaza, the stakes could not be higher.

A test of international law and moral courage

As the flotilla advances, we will soon find out whether Israel is willing to risk a direct confrontation with European navies. The presence of warships may deter an immediate attack, but Israel’s history of intercepting aid vessels suggests further escalation is likely. The question remains: Will Europe’s show of force be enough to break the siege, or will Israel’s blockade prevail at any cost?

This is no longer just about aid. It’s about whether the world will allow a genocide to continue unchecked. The flotilla’s defiance, backed by European warships, may be the last hope for Gaza’s starving population.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

AlJazeera.com

Reuters.com