Spain and Italy Send Naval Ships to Protect Gaza Aid Flotilla After Drone Attacks
2025 | International Diplomacy & Humanitarian Aid
European Powers Take Action
The decision by both Mediterranean nations came within hours of each other on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, following reports that multiple ships in the civilian flotilla had been targeted by drones, causing explosions and communications jamming .
Naval vessels like this will now accompany the civilian aid flotilla heading toward Gaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced from New York, where he was attending the UN General Assembly, that an Spanish naval operations ship would depart from Cartagena on Thursday. "We are concerned, so we will send a ship to ensure the rescue of our citizens and their return to Spain if necessary," Sánchez stated .
The Attacks That Triggered the Response
The Resilience Fleet, consisting of more than 50 civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists from 44 countries, reported being targeted in what organizers described as a coordinated attack .
12 Explosions
Reported across 9 ships in the fleet according to organizers
Communications Jamming
Ship systems were interfered with during the attacks
No Casualties
Despite the attacks, no human losses were reported
15 Drones
Reported flying over the boats during the incident
Activists aboard the ships reported that the attacks began around 11 PM with unusual drone surveillance, followed by approximately 11 explosive attacks and one chemical attack between midnight and 4 AM . The attacks occurred about 65 kilometers from the Greek island of Gavdos .
International Naval Deployment Details
The response from European governments represents a significant show of support for the humanitarian mission and a direct challenge to attempts to stop it.
| Country | Vessel Type | Departure Point | Stated Mission | Official Statements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Naval Operations Ship | Cartagena, SE Spain | Rescue Spanish citizens if necessary | "Ensure safe passage for our citizens" - PM Sánchez |
| Italy | Fregat "Vasan" (multipurpose frigate) | North of Crete | Assist Italian citizens on board | "Protect peaceful protest forms" - Defense Minister |
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attack "in the strongest terms" and authorized the immediate intervention of the frigate Vasan, which was already sailing north of Crete as part of the "Safe Sea" operation . Italy emphasized that the frigate would not use military force but was positioned for potential rescue operations .
Political Reactions and Statements
The decision to send naval assets has generated significant political commentary and support within both countries.
Spanish Government Statements
- Yolanda Díaz (Deputy PM): "We demanded protection for the fleet, and we are proud of the government for sending a ship for this purpose" .
- Sira Rego (Youth Minister): "Lift the blockade, open humanitarian aid corridors, stop the genocide" .
- Ernest Urtasun (Culture Minister): "While others ignore, Spain acts. Solidarity is not just speech, but action" .
The Spanish government emphasized that the naval vessel would operate in international waters and that its mission was consistent with international law and the protection of Spanish citizens' right to safe passage .
Background: The Resilience Fleet Mission
The flotilla represents one of the largest coordinated attempts to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for 18 years .
Fleet assembles with vessels from multiple countries, carrying humanitarian aid especially medical supplies
Fleet reports drone attacks and explosions near Greek waters
Italy announces deployment of frigate Vasan to assist the fleet
Spain announces it will send naval vessel from Cartagena
Expected arrival time of the fleet in Gaza waters if unimpeded
The fleet includes prominent activists such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who stated, "This mission is about Gaza, not us. No risk we might face comes close to the dangers Palestinians face every day" .
Israeli Position and International Context
Israel has consistently opposed the flotilla, describing it as a "Hamas fleet" and threatening to prevent it from reaching Gaza .
The flotilla carries humanitarian aid like medical supplies destined for Gaza's population.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has stated that the fleet would not be allowed to reach Gaza but could unload supplies "at any port in a neighboring country outside Israel, then transport them peacefully to Gaza" . This offer has been rejected by organizers who insist on breaking the naval blockade directly .
Conclusion: A Significant Escalation in International Involvement
The decision by Spain and Italy to deploy naval assets to protect the Gaza aid flotilla represents a dramatic shift in the international response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Moving beyond diplomatic statements, these European governments are now taking tangible military action to assert the right of humanitarian passage in international waters.
This development creates a new dynamic in the ongoing confrontation over the Gaza blockade, potentially setting the stage for further internationalization of the conflict. With the ships expected to reach Gaza waters within 3-4 days, the world watches to see how Israel will respond to the presence of European naval vessels accompanying the aid mission.
The coming days will test whether this unprecedented show of international support can successfully challenge the long-standing naval blockade or whether it will lead to further escalation in one of the world's most protracted humanitarian crises.