Italy and Spain send warships to protect Gaza aid flotilla
As the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is advancing towards Gaza to deliver life-saving aid, Italy and Spain have deployed warships to protect their nationals following attacks on the flotilla, Arab Weekly via Reuters reported on September 25th.
The flotilla carrying people from 45 countries has experienced 12 drone attacks in international waters, just 56 km away from Gavdos, which is a Greek island.
Responsibility over previous attacks on the flotilla have remained unclaimed and the suspects unidentifiable, but observers have been pointing the finger at Israel. The GSF called for more nations to follow suit in order to protect citizens by providing a maritime escort and diplomatic observers.
The Italian Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, denounced the drone attack and ordered a multi-use frigate Fasan, as it might be needed for an emergency rescue mission.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced that a warship will be sent with all the necessary means to assist the flotilla. He also reaffirmed his support for the GSF, as he said that international law should be respected and that the citizens from 45 countries should be able to navigate safely through the Mediterranean Sea. The support from Sanchez is certainly anticipated, as he is one of the few European leaders who has been active in condemning Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, has taken a different approach to her Spanish counterpart, as she criticised the GSF movement. She believes their plan of action is dangerous and reckless. She recommended that they drop off the aid in Cyprus to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which would then send the aid. She added that both the Cypriot and Israeli governments are purportedly in favour of the idea and called on the flotilla to comply with the plan.
It seems unlikely that the organisers of the GSF will accept such a recommendation as Israel continues to restrict the amount of supplies going into Gaza, and the food crisis in the enclave continues to worsen day after day. Overnight on June 8th, Israel’s military illegally boarded and arrested activists on an aid ship travelling to Gaza.
Two Italian members of the European Parliament who were in the flotilla stated that stun grenades and itching powder were released from the drones.
Multiple European countries have recently recognised Palestine and called for a two-state solution, which has deeply angered Israel. The move from Spain and Italy could put another strain on Israel’s dwindling relationship with the EU.
Arab Weekly via Reuters, Maghrebi.org
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