- Italy and Spain send one naval frigate each to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla after the flotilla was struck by drone strikes in international waters.
- The GSF set to sail to Gaza as experts from the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed a famine.
Italy and Spain are to send one naval frigate each to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla after the flotilla was struck by drones on Wednesday.
This comes after the flotilla was also attacked earlier this month off the coast of Tunisia.
The GSF blames Israel for the attacks with the Israeli government choosing not to comment in public but the foreign ministry had said on Wednesday on X that Israel “would take the necessary measures” to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza.
In a statement, the GSF said yesterday: “Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats.”
“We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated.”
The drone attack occurred 30 miles off the Greek island Gavdos and involved 12 drones which exploded on top of the boats. No casualties were reported and damage was limited.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the third flotilla on its route to Gaza since the genocide began, with the Madleen intercepted by Israeli forces in June and the Handala intercepted in July.
The GSF is the largest flotilla yet, comprising of about 50 ships with many lawyers and activists on board from across the world including prominent Italian politicians and well-known climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said: “The Spanish government demands compliance with international law and respect for our citizens’ right to sail safely in the Mediterranean.
“I can therefore inform you tomorrow that a maritime action vessel equipped with all the resources necessary to assist the flotilla will set sail from Cartagena in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out any rescues.”
If drone attacks persist on the flotilla, it’s very possible other countries whose citizens are onboard also will take action to protect their citizens.
The recent drone attack on the flotilla occurred in international waters in the Greek Search and Rescue Area (SAR) and therefore Greece was responsible for search and rescue in case any crew members went missing or were at risk.
Time will tell whether Greece and other nations step in to protect and ensure the safety of their citizens in this humanitarian mission.
