Italy, Spain Deploy Ships to Protect Gaza Flotilla

Italy and Spain deploy naval ships to escort Gaza aid flotilla after drone attacks, raising maritime law and humanitarian mission questions (image source)

Italy and Spain have dispatched naval vessels to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla after a series of suspected drone attacks off Crete, raising safety and legal questions over humanitarian missions in contested waters. The move follows calls for an independent probe by the United Nations into incidents that activists say endangered more than 500 civilians aboard 51 vessels bound for Gaza.

Italy diverted the frigate Fasan—already on patrol in the eastern Mediterranean—to provide a protective presence near the flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona in early September carrying food, medical supplies and baby formula. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that the ship “is not expected to use military force” but will stand ready to assist Italian nationals in distress.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in New York that the patrol vessel Furor will depart Cartagena on Thursday to safeguard Spanish participants and other flotilla members. Equipped with a helicopter, a drone and medical staff, Furor can accommodate up to 80 people and will operate strictly in international waters. “Spain will protect its citizens, both diplomatically and politically,” Sánchez said.

The flotilla’s organisers, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, reported more than a dozen explosions around their boats late Tuesday, which they blamed on Israeli-launched drones. Vessels bore damage from unidentified aerial objects, prompting UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan to demand an “independent, impartial and thorough investigation” into alleged violations of international maritime law.

“We are sailing peacefully in international waters. We carry no weapons—only aid and hope,” said Greta Thunberg aboard the lead yacht.

Maritime security experts warn that civilian convoys face heightened risks without clear rules of engagement. Captain Tendai Makwara of the Zimbabwe International Maritime Institute recommends that flotilla organisers file Notices to Mariners through the International Maritime Organization to establish safe corridors and ensure coordination with naval assets. “Civilian vessels must adhere to SOLAS conventions and maintain continuous radio contact with escort ships,” he advised.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, meaning perseverance in Arabic, departed Spain to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian relief. Previous attempts in June and July were intercepted by the Israeli navy. While Israel offers to offload aid at Ashkelon Marina or Cyprus for onward shipment, flotilla organisers insist on direct delivery to Gaza to spotlight civilian suffering under the blockade.

Under UNCLOS provisions, all vessels enjoy freedom of navigation in international waters, yet enforcement depends on state flags and military escorts. Italy’s Fasan flies the tricolor ensign, while Furor sails under the Spanish flag, granting them sovereign immunity. Experts say naval presence may deter further drone strikes but could inflame diplomatic strains with Israel, which maintains the flotilla violates the “lawful naval blockade” of Gaza.

As the flotilla approaches international waters off Gaza, Italy and Spain vow to maintain their escorts until cargo reaches safe havens. UN investigators are expected to board vessels once docked, while EU foreign ministers review potential diplomatic measures against any state found responsible for attacks. Observers will watch whether joint naval protection becomes a model for safeguarding future humanitarian missions in high-risk maritime zones.