Italian PM Meloni criticizes Gaza aid flotilla, calls it ‘dangerous and irresponsible’

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denounced a humanitarian flotilla headed toward Gaza, describing the initiative as both "reckless and unnecessary."

Speaking to Italian media in New York on Wednesday, where she is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly, Meloni also condemned the recent drone strikes on the vessel.

“There is no need to risk one's own safety, it is not necessary to go to a war zone to deliver aid to Gaza, which the Italian government and the competent authorities could have delivered in a few hours,” she said.

Meanwhile, Spain and Italy have announced that they are sending naval ships to support a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, following reports that the vessels were attacked yesterday by drones off the coast of Greece.

The coordinated move by the two European nations is a direct response to what organizers of the flotilla have described as a "psychological operation" intended to intimidate the mission.

According to El País newspaper, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that a "maritime action vessel equipped with all the necessary resources" will sail from the port of Cartagena on Thursday. "I want to make it clear to the government of Israel that Spain will, of course, protect its nationals, and we will do so both diplomatically and politically," Sánchez said.

The announcement came just hours after the Italian government confirmed the deployment of the frigate Fasan to assist Italian citizens on board and conduct potential rescue operations. Both countries' defense ministries are in contact to explore a broader coordinated action, which could involve other European nations as well.