Italy and Spain have stepped in to ensure the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean, following a series of drone attacks that dropped flashbang-type explosives on vessels carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking from New York during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), announced that Spain's navy would join Italy in sending warships to protect the civilian aid fleet. He emphasized that international law must be upheld and that citizens from more than 40 nations participating in the mission had every right to sail freely and without harm.

“The Spanish government insists on full compliance with international law and demands that our citizens’ right to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected,” Sanchez declared. He confirmed that Spain would dispatch a naval ship from Cartagena equipped with all necessary resources to support or rescue the flotilla if required.

On Wednesday night, flotilla organizers reported what they described as a “dangerous escalation,” with Israeli drones and aircraft targeting multiple boats. Activists on board said drones dropped flashbang devices and other unidentified objects, while deliberate radio interference disrupted communication between vessels.

In response, Italy confirmed it would send a naval frigate after Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the overnight attacks. The flotilla reportedly consists of about 50 civilian boats carrying aid supplies, including participants such as human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, and Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Two Italian lawmakers from the opposition are also part of the convoy.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that Italian citizens, along with members of parliament and European representatives, were onboard. The ministry underlined that it had already notified Israel to ensure any operations in the area must strictly comply with international law and prioritize safety. Tajani further instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to monitor the situation closely and reiterate demands for full protection of personnel.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, in its official statement, said Israeli attempts to intimidate participants would not succeed and urged UN member states to address the attacks during UNGA discussions.

Greta Thunberg, speaking via video call from one of the ships, highlighted that drones shadow the flotilla every night. “This mission is about Gaza, not about us. The risks we face are nothing compared to what Palestinians endure daily,” she said.