Italy sends second Navy ship to escort Gaza aid flotilla
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Italy has deployed another navy ship to escort the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists including Greta Thunberg, after reported Israeli drone attacks in international waters.
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An Italian navy ship approaches the port, as Italian authorities transfer 40 migrants with no permission to remain in the country to Italian-run migration detention centers in Albania, in Shengjin, northwestern Albania, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Vlasov Sulaj)
Italy has dispatched a second navy ship to escort the Gaza aid flotilla after its vessels came under drone attack while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed on Thursday.
Speaking before the lower house of parliament, Crosetto said: “We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality.” The move underscores Italy’s growing involvement in safeguarding the mission, which is attempting to break "Israel’s" naval blockade of Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), made up of about 50 civilian boats carrying lawyers, activists, and humanitarian supplies, reported that drones dropped stun grenades and itching powder on its vessels late Wednesday. The incident occurred in international waters, 30 nautical miles off the Greek island of Gavdos.
The GSF blamed "Israel" for the attack. In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry avoided direct comment but reiterated its demand that the flotilla dock at an Israeli port, where authorities would take control of the aid bound for Gaza.
Read more: Global Sumud Flotilla warned of imminent Israeli attack
'Israel' rejects flotilla route, insists on port delivery
"Israel" has warned the flotilla against attempting to breach its blockade. Officials said humanitarian aid to Gaza must pass through its ports, threatening consequences if activists refuse.
Crosetto urged participants to reconsider, stressing that Italy cannot guarantee their safety should they sail into restricted waters. He proposed that the aid be handed over for distribution by the Catholic Church inside Gaza, but organizers rejected the plan.
Spain has also announced it sent a military vessel to assist in protecting the flotilla, highlighting broader European concern over the safety of humanitarian missions to Gaza.
As of Thursday, GSF vessels reported “moderate drone activity” overnight while sailing slowly through Greek territorial waters. Organizers said the flotilla planned to head toward international waters later in the day.
Read more: Meloni calls Gaza flotilla 'irresponsible' as activists report attack
Among those aboard the flotilla is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, alongside dozens of international human rights advocates. Their presence has drawn global attention to the mission, which they frame as a challenge to "Israel’s" blockade and a direct effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Despite warnings, the Gaza aid flotilla continues its course, insisting on delivering supplies directly to the enclave rather than through Israeli authorities. The standoff now risks escalating further, as European naval escorts and Israeli threats converge at sea.
