Italy and Spain Send Naval Vessels to Escort the GSF Toward Gaza

Following recent drone attacks against the humanitarian flotilla, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced on September 24 the deployment of the frigate Fasan to protect Italian citizens on board the GSF en route to Gaza. The next day, he confirmed the dispatch of a second vessel, the Alpino. Both ships are prepared to assist Italian participants in the flotilla.

On the same day at the United Nations, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the naval vessel Furor would depart from Cartagena to accompany the peaceful volunteers from 44 countries taking part in the GSF.

During the night of September 23 to 24, Israeli army drones attacked the flotilla with chemical substances and stun grenades, damaging four boats. Despite these assaults, the flotilla continues its journey to open a humanitarian corridor and deliver aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.

The GSF welcomed Minister Crosetto’s recognition of the democratic and non-violent nature of the flotilla, as well as his condemnation of the attacks. It also expresses its gratitude to Prime Minister Sánchez for his stance in defence of life.

Finally, the GSF calls on UN member states to provide a maritime escort with accredited diplomatic observers and a protective state presence to ensure safe passage and uphold international law. These measures, it stresses, must be humanitarian in nature and consistent with the principles of non-interference.