Italy says it dispatched a navy ship toward the Gaza-bound aid flotilla after several vessels were reportedly targeted by Israeli drones off the coast of Greece.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising around 50 civilian boats attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, came under attack on Wednesday, according to organizers.
Activists on board said drones dropped explosive devices near several boats, but the attack caused no injuries. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attack, which, he said, was carried out by “currently unidentified perpetrators.”
He said the Italian multi-purpose frigate Fasan, previously sailing north of Crete, was “already en route” toward the flotilla “for possible rescue operations.”
The Italian navy had been mobilized primarily to protect its citizens aboard the flotilla, according to an official, who said, “If needed, our frigate has a well-stocked infirmary.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said “unidentified objects” damaged one of the vessels.
The Israeli regime threatens to block the Global Sumud Flotilla after it refuses to “dock and unload” the aid it is carrying for Gaza’s war-hit and starving population.
He said there are “Italian citizens along with members of parliament and MEPs” among the pro-Palestinian activists in the flotilla.
To ensure their safety, the ministry had already “notified Israeli authorities that any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution.”
Tajani also said he had instructed the Italian embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and reiterate a request to guarantee the protection of all personnel on board.
Israel threatened to “take the necessary measures” to stop the flotilla if it did not accept an alternative proposal to unload aid in an Israeli port, leaving its authorities to transport it to Gaza.
One of the ships targeted was the Family Boat, a Portuguese-flagged vessel and the flotilla’s lead ship, transporting aid and several well-known activists, including Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau.
Another vessel, the Alma, also a flotilla mothership providing support and provisions to smaller boats, was reportedly targeted.
“These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza, and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission,” the activists said.
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemned the maritime attack in a post on social media, calling on the international community to protect the flotilla. “Hands off the Flotilla!” she wrote.
This is not the first time Gaza-bound aid ships have come under attack in international waters.
In late July, Israeli forces seized the aid ship Handala, towed it to the occupied port of Ashdod, and detained all 21 international crew members, including journalists and lawmakers. The vessel, led by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was roughly 100 km west of Gaza when it was intercepted.
The regime’s forces also seized the Madleen ship in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea as it attempted to break the siege on Gaza on June 9.
The 12 activists on board were stopped in international waters and taken to the occupied territories.
French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, who had been aboard the ship, called on President Emmanuel Macron for assistance on Wednesday.
“Several dozen French nationals are present on board the flotilla!” she wrote on X. “These attacks must stop!”
[ SOURCE: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS and other NEWS AGENCIES ]
