Italy sends navy frigate to assist Gaza-bound flotilla

Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto sent a navy frigate to assist a Gaza-bound flotilla Wednesday, after organizers reported multiple drone strikes targeting several vessels off Greece. 

"To ensure assistance to the Italian citizens on the 'Flotilla'... I spoke with the Prime Minister and authorized the immediate intervention of the Italian Navy's multi-purpose frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea," Crosetto said in a statement posted by the ministry on X. 

"The vessel is already en route to the area for possible rescue operations", he added. 

"In merito all’attacco subito nelle scorse ore dalle imbarcazioni della Sumud Flotilla @GlobalSumudF, a bordo delle quali si trovano anche cittadini italiani, condotto mediante l’impiego di droni da parte di autori al momento non identificati, non si può che esprimere la più dura… pic.twitter.com/KFRefcoKHL

— Ministero Difesa (@MinisteroDifesa) September 24, 2025

This comes at the same time when Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, urged ‘Israel’ to guarantee the safety of the flotilla reaching Gaza. 

Read more: VIDEO: At least nine explosions heard as Global Sumud Flotilla faces drone attacks

"To ensure their safety, the foreign ministry had already notified Israeli authorities that any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution," the ministry said in a statement.

Tajani also instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and reiterate the request for full protection of the flotilla’s personnel.

Previous attempts to join the convoy in Tunisia were reportedly struck by drones, including activists such as Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

‘Israel’ has blocked earlier flotilla attempts and reiterated Monday that the convoy would not be allowed to reach Gaza despite mounting international pressure to end its offensive in the famine-struck enclave.