[News] Drone strikes on GSF trigger Spanish and Italian naval escorts

[Anti-Imperialist News]

News <https://english.palinfo.com/category/news/>


  Drone strikes on GSF trigger Spanish and Italian naval escorts

Thursday 25-September-2025

GAZA, (PIC)

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) warned on Thursday of an imminent 
Israeli attack on its civilian aid fleet bound for Gaza, just a day 
after several of its ships were targeted by drone strikes off the Greek 
coast.

According to organizers, drones flew intensively over the fleet’s 
largest vessel and dropped unidentified objects, disrupting 
communications and causing explosions near at least 10 ships. Some 
vessels sustained minor damage. Activists accused Israel of carrying out 
the attack.

The GSF, nearly 50 civilian boats carrying humanitarian supplies, 
including urgently needed medical aid, has been sailing toward Gaza in 
defiance of Israel’s blockade. The mission includes international 
lawyers, doctors, and activists, among them Swedish climate activist 
Greta Thunberg, who said during a live Instagram conference, “Israel is 
trying to intimidate and silence those who move in solidarity with 
Palestine.”

European governments have begun deploying military escorts to protect 
their citizens aboard the flotilla. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez 
announced the deployment of a BAM-class naval ship to accompany the aid 
mission, stressing in New York that “international law must be 
respected, and Spanish citizens must be able to sail in safe conditions.”

Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares told Al Jazeera that anyone 
attacking the flotilla “will face accountability before international 
courts,” describing the convoy as “peaceful” and fully supported by Madrid.

Italy has taken even stronger measures. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto 
confirmed Thursday that Rome will send a second naval frigate to join 
the escort, after already dispatching one warship on Wednesday.

Speaking before the Italian parliament, Crosetto said, “We sent one 
ship, and another is on its way, ready for any emergency.” He admitted, 
however, that Italy cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens if they 
proceed into contested waters, urging activists to consider an Italian 
proposal to unload aid in Cyprus under the supervision of the Latin 
Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The latest attacks occurred in international waters, about 30 nautical 
miles from Gavdos Island, Greece. Witnesses reported drones dropping 
stun bombs and skin-irritant powders on vessels.

Despite the assaults, the GSF said Thursday morning that it continues to 
sail slowly through Greek waters, facing “moderate drone activity” 
overnight, and intends to move into international waters later in the day.

The European Union, United Nations, France, and Sweden all voiced strong 
concern, condemning drone strikes on the civilian convoy. Sweden noted 
that 15 of its nationals are aboard and demanded their protection, while 
Israel has reiterated its refusal to allow the flotilla into Gaza, 
insisting aid must first be unloaded in Israeli ports.

The flotilla’s legal team announced it will file a formal complaint to 
the International Criminal Court, accusing Israel of committing grave 
violations against civilians in international waters.

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