Spain to dispatch humanitarian vessel to support Gaza Sumud Flotilla

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 08:50

Spain, in coordination with Italy, has announced that it will deploy a support vessel to the Global Sumud Flotilla heading for Gaza.

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A ship that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla prepares to depart to Gaza to deliver aid amidst Israel's blockade on the Palestinian territory, in the Tunisian port of Bizerte, Saturday, September 13, 2025. (AP)

Spain has announced it will deploy a maritime vessel to support the Global Sumud Flotilla, the large-scale humanitarian fleet aiming to break "Israel's" blockade on the Gaza Strip.

According to El Pais, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating that “A maritime action vessel equipped with all the necessary resources will set sail from Cartagena tomorrow in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out any rescues.”

The move is part of a broader European coordination effort. Spain, the newspaper added, has been working closely with Italy, and discussions are reportedly ongoing with other countries, including Ireland, to expand the support network.

Spain's Defense Ministry has contacted its Italian counterpart to explore further collaboration on the humanitarian effort, and officials from both countries have stressed that their vessels will not engage in any direct confrontation, even if the flotilla is met with Israeli aggression.

'Israel' threatens, harasses flotilla

The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of more than 50 vessels, departed from Barcelona late last month. Its mission is to challenge the suffocating Israeli siege on Gaza, which has prevented necessary supplies from entering the Strip, largely causing the famine gnawing at Palestinians' bones.

On Tuesday, reports emerged that the Israeli regime had threatened to intercept the flotilla, demanding that it “dock and unload” the humanitarian aid intended for Gaza’s war-hit and starved population.

The flotilla’s organizers condemned the demand, labeling it an extension of "Israel's" Gaza siege. They asserted that such actions were not aimed at facilitating relief, but rather at controlling, delaying, or denying aid.

Moreover, the flotilla reported early on Wednesday that its ships were subjected to drone harassment, communications jamming, and explosions during their current journey across the Mediterranean.

A coordinator for the GSF, Wael Nawwar, said that the attacks targeted four vessels with flashbangs but did not cause any injuries. Later, the organization said that in total, 12 attacks were recorded, which targeted nine vessels.

The organizers stressed that these tactics, which they accused "Israel" and its allies of carrying out, are part of attempts to block humanitarian aid from reaching Palestinians in Gaza under siege.