Italy sends second naval ship to escort Gaza-bound flotilla

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that a second Italian naval vessel, the frigate Alpino, will join the Fasan on a mission of rescue, assistance, and protection for the flotilla, Euronews reported.

The decision follows a series of recent attacks on the convoy, including reports of “at least 13 explosions” on Tuesday, with drones or planes dropping unidentified objects on multiple vessels.

On Wednesday, Italy condemned the attacks and dispatched its first multipurpose frigate to assist with potential rescue operations. “In a democracy, demonstrations and protests must be protected, even when conducted in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence,” Crosetto said.

Crosetto also called on the Global Sumud Flotilla, currently en route to Gaza, to unload its humanitarian aid in Cyprus rather than risk navigating through the 'Israeli' naval blockade.

Speaking to the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, Crosetto stressed the safety risks facing vessels outside international waters. “I recommend and hope that we all push for the solution of bringing this aid to Cyprus and, through the intervention of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) and the Italian government, getting it to Gaza. This would result in aid reaching those in need, and there would be no negative consequences for anyone,” he said.

He added, “The climate is worrying and we are unable to guarantee the safety of vessels outside international waters. I want to be clear about this and therefore recommend accepting the solution of bringing aid to Cyprus through the Church.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the attacks but described the flotilla as “dangerous and irresponsible.” She suggested that aid be delivered to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Cyprus, which would then handle delivery to Gaza. The flotilla organizers have not responded to this proposal.

- Opposition criticism -

Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein sharply criticized Meloni’s comments, saying: “Minister, you just said that you don't want to fuel the conflict, but you must tell FdI and President Meloni: the truth is that the Flotilla is doing what European governments should have done. Meloni attacks the Flotilla with harsh words I've never heard against the Netanyahu government. Instead of insulting parliamentarians who are doing their duty, the government should summon the Israeli ambassador.”

- Spain deploys patrol vessel -

Following Italy’s announcement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that Spain would send a patrol vessel to protect and assist the flotilla. “The Spanish government demands that international law be respected and that the right of our citizens to navigate safely in the Mediterranean be guaranteed,” he told the UN General Assembly.

'Israel' has reiterated that it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza, claiming without evidence that the convoy is organized by Hamas. The 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry suggested that aid be unloaded at the port of Ashkelon and then transported to Gaza in a coordinated manner.