Italy and Spain step in to safeguard the Gaza aid flotilla in the Mediterranean following drone-deployed ‘flashbang’ explosives.
Published On 25 Sep 2025
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain’s naval forces will collaborate with Italy by deploying warships to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla, which recently faced hostile drone activity while navigating international waters on its humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Addressing the press in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, Sanchez emphasized the imperative of upholding international maritime laws and affirmed the right of the 45 nations involved in the aid convoy to traverse the Mediterranean without threat.
“Spain insists on strict adherence to international regulations and demands the protection of its citizens’ safe passage through the Mediterranean,” he declared.
“Tomorrow, a naval vessel will depart from Cartagena, fully equipped to provide assistance or conduct rescue operations if the situation requires.”
Activists aboard the flotilla reported a series of aggressive maneuvers by Israeli drones and aircraft late Wednesday, describing the incidents as a “serious and alarming escalation” in the ongoing tensions.
Several vessels were targeted by low-altitude drones that deployed flashbang-style explosives and other unidentified devices near or on the boats, according to eyewitness accounts. Additionally, deliberate interference with radio communications caused significant disruption among the fleet’s coordination efforts.
In response to these developments, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attacks and confirmed that the Italian navy would send a frigate to support any necessary rescue missions involving the flotilla.
The flotilla, now comprising approximately 50 civilian boats laden with aid supplies, includes two Italian opposition parliamentarians among its participants. Their goal remains to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted that the convoy also carries Italian citizens, members of parliament, European lawmakers, human rights defenders, legal experts, journalists, and Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
“To guarantee their protection, the foreign ministry has already informed Israeli authorities that any operations conducted by Israeli forces must strictly comply with international law and exercise utmost caution,” the ministry stated.
“Minister Tajani has instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to monitor the situation closely and reiterate the demand for full security assurances for all individuals aboard the flotilla,” the statement added.
The Global Sumud Flotilla organization condemned Israel’s repeated use of intimidation tactics, urging United Nations member states attending the General Assembly to address these attacks during their discussions.
Thunberg, undertaking her second attempt to breach the maritime blockade, told Reuters on Monday that drones have been shadowing the flotilla nightly.
“This mission centers on Gaza’s plight, not on us. The dangers we face pale in comparison to the daily hardships endured by Palestinians,” she remarked during a video call from one of the ships.
