Italy condemns Sumud Flotilla drone attack, dispatches naval vessel
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Rome urged "Israel" to ensure the safety of Italian citizens and lawmakers on board.
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A Global Sumud Flotilla Vessel in Barcelona (Reuters)
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has strongly condemned a series of drone assaults targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian aid convoy bound for Gaza to break the ongoing blockade.
In a statement released Wednesday, Crosetto said he had authorized the immediate deployment of the Italian Navy’s multi-purpose frigate Fasan, which was already patrolling north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea. The vessel, he confirmed, is en route to the area to provide assistance and conduct possible rescue operations.
CCTV Footage shows one of the drone attacks that targeted the Global Sumud Flotilla ships in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 24, 2025
At least 12 attacks have been reported so far. pic.twitter.com/CUZMkDtRag
Crosetto denounced what he described as "unacceptable acts of aggression against a humanitarian mission," stressing that the perpetrators of the attacks remain "currently unidentified."
Alongside Crosetto’s naval deployment, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome had formally urged "Israel" to guarantee the safety of Italian nationals on board the convoy, including members of parliament and European lawmakers.
Tajani confirmed he had instructed Italy's embassy in Tel Aviv to "reiterate its previous request to the Israeli government to ensure the absolute protection of personnel on board."
Civilian vessels targeted mid-sea
Wael Nawwar, the flotilla’s coordinator, confirmed that the ship Ohuela was struck by a small sound bomb, although no injuries or material damage were reported. Additional vessels, Otaria, Maria, Selvaggia, and Zephiro, were similarly harassed.
"These tactics will not deter us from our mission to deliver aid to Gaza and break the illegal siege," the GSF declared. "Every attempt to intimidate us only strengthens our commitment."
Organizers accused "Israel" and its allies of orchestrating the attacks as part of a broader effort to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching the besieged Palestinian territory. "The lengths to which 'Israel' and its allies will go to prolong the horrors of starvation and genocide in Gaza are sickening. But our resolve is stronger than ever," a flotilla statement read.
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from ports in Spain, Italy, and Tunisia, regrouping in the Mediterranean to proceed toward Gaza. The mission was previously targeted while docked in Tunisian waters.
In one incident, the Family Boat suffered fire damage after a suspected drone attack in the port of Sidi Bou Said. Another vessel, Alma, was also targeted. Tunisian authorities initially denied the attacks, though organizers held "Israel" responsible.
