Following Tuesday night’s attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla, Italy and Spain have sent in military ships in an effort to support the cause. The flotilla was once again victim to various attacks, with several boats targeted on September 23. The GSF said that at least 13 explosions were heard throughout the night, with drones or aircraft dropping objects on more than 10 ships.
Spanish PM, Pedro Sanchez, has urged that international law be respected and said that citizens should be able to navigate the Mediterranean route safely. Sanchez has stated that Spain will deploy a patrol vessel to assist the flotilla, as well as be on hand for any necessary rescues.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has condemned the attack and has stated that they also mobilized the navy frigate ‘Fasan’ to be prepared for any potential rescue operations.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not addressed accusations of them being responsible for the drone attacks, however, they have pressured the GSF to leave any humanitarian aid to Cyprus, where the Catholic church would supposedly distribute them to Gaza. Italian PM, Giorgia Meloni, has expressed support for this idea.
Arturo Scotto, another Italian politician who is aboard the flotilla, has stated that the Cyprus idea is being discussed directly with the Vatican, as opposed to with the Italian government.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), the Ministry said that they will not allow the entry of any vessels to an active warzone, nor the breaching of the blockade. European Commission spokesperson, Eva Hrncirova, has also advised against the use of force, stating the importance of the freedom of navigation under international law.
Greta Thunberg, who is aboard the GSF has stressed that the attacks on Gaza should still be the main point of the conversation.
“The most important thing isn’t that we were hit by drones, drones are something that Palestinians experience 24-7.”
Greta said on livestream
