Italy and Spain are sending naval vessels to support a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza after activists reported drone attacks near Crete that damaged several boats.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), composed of 51 vessels with more than 500 participants, said drones dropped explosives and jammed communications late Tuesday, leaving four boats damaged and one with an unexploded device on board. No injuries were reported.
The boats were only days away from reaching the enclave when the latest attacks were reported.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the drone strike on Tuesday night, saying Italy is “conducting our own investigation to determine who is responsible.”
Italy announced it is sending a navy ship to assist the flotilla which carries numerous pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country is also sending a ship on Thursday to assist the flotilla “in the event of any difficulties” and for potential rescue operations.
On Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the country would take “necessary measures” to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza.
The ministry said that it was willing to transfer the aid through Israel’s Ashkelon port, but accused organizers of refusing the offer and “pursuing a violent course of action.”
In a post on X on Wednesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry challenged claims that the mission is primarily focused on delivering aid. “If this is not about provocation and serving Hamas, you are welcome to unload any aid you might have at any port in a nearby country outside Israel, from which it can be transferred peacefully to Gaza,” it said.
We have another proposal for the Hamas-Sumud flotilla: if this is not about provocation and serving Hamas, you are welcome to unload any aid you might have at any port in a nearby country outside Israel, from which it can be transferred peacefully to Gaza.
Israel will not allow…
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 24, 2025
The GSF said in its latest update that the convoy is proceeding at slow speeds in Greek territorial waters amid moderate drone activity.
UPDATE – September 25th, 04:08 GMT+3
Flotilla sailing at slow speeds in Greek territorial waters, moderate drone activity tonight.
EU government sources point at escalating threats by Israel as we sail into international waters later today.#breakthe… https://t.co/rIiqZsveh2
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) September 25, 2025
