Italy Sends Second Naval Ship to Protect Gaza Aid Fleet

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced on Thursday that Italy has deployed a second naval ship to assist the international aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, which was recently targeted in a drone attack.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is using nearly 50 civilian vessels to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, with participation from activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, along with several lawyers and humanitarian workers.

Speaking in the lower house of Parliament, Crosetto said, “We have dispatched one ship, and a second is ready for any eventuality.”

Italy sent the first frigate on Wednesday, just hours after the flotilla reported being targeted by drones about 30 nautical miles (56 km) from the Greek island of Gavdos in international waters. The drones reportedly dropped stun grenades and an irritant powder. The flotilla blamed Israel for the attack.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not directly respond to the allegation but reiterated its invitation for the flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid at an Israeli port, assigning Israeli authorities the responsibility of transporting it to Gaza and warning of potential consequences otherwise.

Spain has also decided to send a military warship to ensure the flotilla’s safety.

Crosetto warned activists against attempting to breach the Israeli blockade and urged them to accept Italy’s proposal to hand over their aid for distribution in Gaza through the local Catholic Church. “If our fellow civilians enter the waters of other countries, we cannot guarantee their safety,” he said.

On Thursday morning, the flotilla reported that its ships were moving slowly within Greek waters, encountering “moderate drone activity” overnight, and were heading toward international waters “later today.”