Italy and Spain deploy Naval forces to safeguard Gaza Aid Flotilla amid Israeli drone aggression

Department of Strategic Research, Studies and International Relations 27-09-2025

The Mediterranean has once again become the stage of confrontation as Italy and Spain stepped in decisively to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led mission carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza. This move comes in the wake of alarming attacks carried out by Israeli drones, which targeted several boats in international waters with explosive devices and electronic warfare measures.

The flotilla, consisting of around 50 vessels, is manned by participants from 45 different nations, including lawmakers, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and high-profile figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Their collective goal is to break Israel’s illegal maritime blockade on Gaza and deliver essential supplies to the civilian population suffering under occupation and bombardment.

Spanish and Italian intervention

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would dispatch a naval vessel from Cartagena to ensure the flotilla’s safety. He stressed that international law must be upheld and that Spanish citizens, along with other participants, had the right to sail freely and without intimidation in international waters.

“The government of Spain demands full respect for international law and guarantees for the safe navigation of its citizens in the Mediterranean,” Sánchez declared. “Tomorrow, we will deploy a naval vessel equipped with all necessary resources, should it be required to assist the flotilla or conduct rescue operations.”

Italy soon followed Spain’s lead. After news of the drone assaults spread, the Italian navy confirmed that a frigate would be sent to the area. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a grave escalation. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also emphasized that Italian citizens, including members of parliament and representatives in the European Parliament, were on board the flotilla.

In a statement, the Italian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that Rome had already notified Israeli authorities that any action in international waters must strictly comply with international law. Tajani also instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to demand full protection for those on board, reiterating that the lives of Italian nationals and other civilians must not be jeopardized.

Drone strikes: A provocative escalation

On Wednesday night, flotilla participants reported being subjected to an intense wave of Israeli drone harassment. Several low-flying drones dropped flashbang-style explosive devices and unidentified objects dangerously close to the aid boats. Simultaneously, deliberate radio jamming caused significant disruption in communications among the ships, raising serious concerns about safety at sea.

Organizers of the flotilla denounced the attacks as “an alarmingly dangerous escalation,” pointing out that such tactics were designed to intimidate and potentially endanger hundreds of civilians. They called upon UN member states at the General Assembly to place these attacks on the formal agenda, stressing the need for collective international action.

Despite the threats, activists remain undeterred. The flotilla, named “Global Sumud” (Arabic for steadfastness), insists it will continue its mission to challenge Israel’s unlawful maritime siege on Gaza, which has been in place for over 17 years.

Voices from on board

Greta Thunberg, participating in her second attempt to break the blockade, spoke to Reuters by video call from one of the boats. She revealed that Israeli drones stalk the flotilla every night, but emphasized that the mission was not about the activists themselves.

“This mission is about Gaza, not about us,” Thunberg said. “No risk we take can compare to the dangers Palestinians face daily under occupation and bombardment.”

Her words reflect the broader sentiment of the flotilla: that international solidarity and civilian-led action are necessary when governments fail to act against ongoing violations.

A blow to Western hypocrisy

The intervention of Spain and Italy, two NATO members, represents a significant challenge to the usual Western alignment with Washington and Tel Aviv. For years, the United States and its allies have turned a blind eye to Israel’s violations of international law, blocking any meaningful accountability at the UN Security Council.

By sending naval protection, Spain and Italy are effectively signaling that Europe cannot remain silent in the face of blatant aggression against civilians in international waters. Their move also highlights the growing rift within Western alliances, as European voices increasingly question the U.S.-Israeli narrative.

Meanwhile, nations such as Russia, China, and India have consistently called for adherence to international law, humanitarian access to Gaza, and a just political settlement that respects the rights of the Palestinian people. Moscow and Beijing in particular have condemned Israeli aggression while advocating for multipolar solutions that challenge U.S. hegemony in the region.

The latest developments underscore the importance of multipolar diplomacy: while Washington shields Tel Aviv from consequences, it is the collective action of other states, both in Europe and beyond, that ensures some degree of accountability.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is more than a humanitarian mission; it is a direct challenge to Israel’s unilateral attempts to dominate the Mediterranean and enforce an inhumane blockade on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The drone attacks mark a dangerous precedent, showing that Israel is willing to intimidate international civilians even outside its territorial waters.

Spain and Italy’s decision to deploy naval vessels could alter the dynamics of the Mediterranean, especially if other nations join in safeguarding humanitarian initiatives. For activists and Palestinians alike, this moment offers a glimmer of hope that international solidarity is not entirely muted by Washington’s dictates.

The flotilla has called on all UNGA member states to rise to their responsibilities and ensure the safety of civilians engaging in lawful humanitarian action. Whether more governments will follow Spain and Italy’s example remains to be seen.

For the people of Gaza, however, every ship, every voice, and every act of defiance against the blockade brings them closer to breaking the silence that has for too long surrounded their suffering.