By Quds News Network
New York (QNN)- Spain and Italy have sent naval ships to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla after a night of drone attacks on civilian vessels carrying aid to Gaza. Human rights experts are now urging other Mediterranean states to dispatch more military ships to secure the mission.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Spain’s decision in New York during the UN General Assembly. He said a naval action ship will leave Cartagena on Thursday, fully equipped to escort the flotilla and carry out rescue operations if needed.
Italy already ordered its frigate Fasan to approach the convoy after drones targeted the flotilla in international waters off the Greek island of Gavdos. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the move but urged the flotilla to offload its aid in Cyprus for delivery through the Catholic Church. She described the mission as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of about 50 civilian boats with passengers from 17 countries, including activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Organizers reported 13 explosions from incendiary objects dropped by drones and more than 15 drones flying at low altitude over one of the boats.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned the attacks as “totally unacceptable.” He stressed that anyone responsible for harming the flotilla will face international justice. He said Spain is in direct contact with governments whose citizens are on board.
Flotilla condemned Israel and its allies for the assaults, which included explosions, drone swarms, and communications jamming. They vowed to continue sailing toward Gaza despite the threats. “We will not be intimidated,” the coalition declared.
Israel, meanwhile, repeated its threatenings, calling the humanitarian mission “Hamas flotilla”. Israeli officials claimed that the naval blockade is “legal” and promised to take “necessary measures” if the ships approach Gaza. Tel Aviv demanded that all aid be unloaded in Ashkelon for “distribution under Israeli control”, even as UN officials stress that Israel is deliberately blocking food into Gaza, deepening famine.
The attacks and rising tensions sparked urgent calls for wider protection. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese appealed to Mediterranean states to act. “Send navies now to protect the flotilla, escort it safely to Gaza, and break the siege,” she said. “If not to stop a genocide, when people are being literally slaughtered, when?”
The Global Sumud Flotilla is one of the largest international efforts in years to challenge Israel’s blockade. Its mission is clear, organizers say: deliver food, medicine, and relief directly to Gaza’s starving population.
25 September 2025
Source: countercurrents.org