The Italian military announced on Thursday the deployment of a second warship to escort the Freedom Flotilla sailing towards Gaza, just hours after dispatching the frigate Fasan. These moves came in response to drone strikes targeting the flotilla, which participants say were launched by the Israeli occupation. The Italian ship joins another Spanish naval vessel sent by Madrid to assist the mission, making this the third warship committed to the flotilla’s protection.
What Stands Out?
The most striking aspect of the Italian and Spanish decisions is that the vessels sent are not symbolic gestures but military ships, tasked with protecting and assisting the flotilla. Yet, despite the clear attacks, neither Rome nor Madrid explicitly accused Israel of being behind the assaults.
A Precautionary Move
Italy, in particular, appears eager to avoid direct confrontation with the occupation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed that the flotilla deliver its humanitarian aid cargo instead to Cyprus and the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, who would then oversee its transfer to Gaza.
Proposal Rejected
The Freedom Flotilla firmly rejected Meloni’s offer, just as it had earlier refused an Israeli proposal to dock at an occupation port and allow Israel to distribute the aid. The activists stressed that accepting such terms would legitimise the illegal Israeli blockade on Gaza.
The Italian delegation participating in the flotilla stated:
“Our mission remains faithful to its original objective: breaking Israel’s unlawful siege and delivering humanitarian relief directly to the besieged people of Gaza.”
What They Said
- Giorgia Meloni (Italian PM): “My proposal has the backing of Cyprus and Israel. We are awaiting a response from the flotilla. This initiative is dangerous, unjustified, and irresponsible.”
- Guido Crosetto (Italian Defence Minister): “The flotilla was attacked by unidentified assailants. We strongly condemn this assault. Our warships will focus on possible rescue operations.”
- Crosetto (continued): “We cannot guarantee the safety of our citizens if they enter the territorial waters of another state.”
- Antonio Tajani (Italian Foreign Minister): He asked Israel to guarantee the safety of Italian citizens, MPs, and Members of the European Parliament on board, stressing that any Israeli actions must comply with international law and the principle of utmost caution.
- Freedom Flotilla Coalition: “States must ensure effective protection, including naval escorts, accredited diplomatic observers, and governmental presence—similar to the Italian step.”
- Israeli Foreign Ministry: “Israel will not allow the boats to enter an active combat zone, nor permit any breach of the so-called ‘legal naval blockade’.”
- European Commission spokesperson: “Any use of force against the flotilla is unacceptable.”
- Pedro Sánchez (Spanish PM): Ordered the deployment of a naval operations ship fully equipped to assist the flotilla and conduct rescues if necessary.
- Yolanda Díaz (Spanish Deputy PM & Minister of Labour): “We demanded protection for the flotilla. We are proud that our government is sending a ship for this purpose.”
- Sira Rego (Spanish Minister of Youth and Childhood): “Lift the siege, open humanitarian corridors, and stop the genocide.”
- Ernest Urtasun (Spanish Minister of Culture): “While others turn a blind eye, Spain is taking action. Solidarity is not just words—it is action.”
The Current Situation
The flotilla is still roughly four days of sailing from Gaza’s shores, provided it encounters no further logistical or aerial disruptions.
Participants reported that on Tuesday, while off the coast of Greece, they came under bombardment and heard a series of explosions as multiple drones circled nearby.
According to their statement:
“So far, 12 explosions have targeted 9 different ships belonging to the Freedom Flotilla through drone attacks.
We are witnessing psychological warfare first-hand, but we will not be intimidated.”
How Far Will the Military Escorts Go?
So far, official Italian and Spanish statements avoid any suggestion of directly confronting the Israeli navy. Both countries frame their role as focused on “possible rescue operations”. Italy’s Defence Minister even urged activists to accept Meloni’s compromise, warning that his government could not ensure their safety if they entered the waters declared by Israel as a “combat zone”.
While Italian and Spanish naval presence in international waters—and even in territorial waters under the principle of “innocent passage”—can be justified under international law, it seems unlikely that these warships would remain alongside the flotilla if it attempted to breach Israel’s naval cordon off Gaza. The Israeli occupation has already declared those waters an active combat area.
Conclusion
The naval escorts provided by Italy and Spain may currently shield the Freedom Flotilla from drone attacks in international waters, but they are unlikely to risk direct confrontation with the Israeli navy. Should the occupation forces decide to intercept and tow the flotilla to an Israeli port—as happened with the Madelene ship in June—Rome and Madrid appear unwilling to escalate into a maritime clash.
For now, the presence of European warships offers the flotilla a degree of protection and international visibility, but the core question remains: Will the world allow Israel’s unlawful blockade on Gaza to continue unchallenged?
It’s amazing that US will go this far. US is not just complicit. They are directly involved. US must face the ICC to the same extent as Israel. Maybe more. Without US, Israel could not and will not commit atrocities like these.