Italy and Spain sending warships to escort Gaza aid flotilla after drone strikes

The Italian fleet of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs from the port of Siracusa, Italy, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (Sebastiano Diamante/LaPresse via AP)

Italy has sent a second navy ship in support of the international aid flotilla that has come under drone attack while trying to deliver aid to Gaza, defence minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is using about 50 civilian boats to try and break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Many lawyers and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, are on board.

A number of Irish citizens are currently on the vessles including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrew, Cork comedian Tadgh Hickey and activist Sarah Clancy.

Mr Andrews is on board the Spectre boat that was targeted by multiple drone strikes on Tuesday night.

"We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality," Mr Crosetto said in a speech to the lower house of parliament.

Italy sent a first frigate on Wednesday, hours after the GSF said it was targeted by drones that dropped stun grenades and itching powder, in international waters 30 nautical miles (56 km) off the Greek island of Gavdos.

The GSF blamed Israel for the attack.

The Israeli foreign ministry did not respond directly to the accusation, but repeated an invitation for the flotilla to drop humanitarian aid in an Israeli port, leaving it to Israeli authorities to take it to Gaza, or else face consequences.

Spain has also decided to send a military warship to protect the flotilla.

Mr Crosetto warned the activists against insisting on trying to break the Israeli blockade, and urged them to accept an Italian proposal to hand over their aid supplies and allow them to be distributed in Gaza by the local Catholic Church.

"We cannot guarantee the safety of our fellow citizens if they enter the territorial waters of other countries," Mr Crosetto said.

The GSF said early on Thursday that its vessels were sailing at slow speed in Greek territorial waters, had been subjected to "moderate drone activity" during the night, and were heading towards international waters "later today".

Tánaister and foreign affairs minister, Simon Harris said he was “extremely concerned” by developments involving the flotilla

In a statement, he said: “The welfare and safety of people aboard that flotilla has to be a priority of the international community.

“My officials are in direct contact with a designated Government point of contact for the Global Movement To Gaza delegation of the GSF.

“Our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens.” He added: “What has happened is clearly not acceptable. It is clear what international law allows and does not allow, and it is clearly a breach of international law to have any activity that is targeting civilians or a humanitarian flotilla.”

 - Reuters and PA