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<h1 class="gmail-single_title">Drone strikes on GSF trigger
Spanish and Italian naval escorts</h1>
<p class="gmail-single_date">Thursday 25-September-2025</p>
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<p>GAZA, (PIC)</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>According to organizers, drones flew intensively over the
fleet\u2019s 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.</p>
<p>The GSF, nearly 50 civilian boats carrying humanitarian
supplies, including urgently needed medical aid, has been
sailing toward Gaza in defiance of Israel\u2019s blockade. The
mission includes international lawyers, doctors, and
activists, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg,
who said during a live Instagram conference, \u201cIsrael is trying
to intimidate and silence those who move in solidarity with
Palestine.\u201d</p>
<p>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 \u201cinternational law must be respected, and Spanish
citizens must be able to sail in safe conditions.\u201d</p>
<p>Spain\u2019s foreign minister José Manuel Albares told Al Jazeera
that anyone attacking the flotilla \u201cwill face accountability
before international courts,\u201d describing the convoy as
\u201cpeaceful\u201d and fully supported by Madrid.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Speaking before the Italian parliament, Crosetto said, \u201cWe
sent one ship, and another is on its way, ready for any
emergency.\u201d 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Despite the assaults, the GSF said Thursday morning that it
continues to sail slowly through Greek waters, facing
\u201cmoderate drone activity\u201d overnight, and intends to move into
international waters later in the day.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The flotilla\u2019s 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.</p>
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