Italy and Spain Deploy Navy Ships to Escort Gaza Flotilla After Drone Attacks

ITALY, SPAIN SEND NAVY SHIPS TO PROTECT GAZA FLOTILLA AFTER DRONE ATTACKS Rome, Italy - In a significant development, the governments of Italy and Spain have announced that they will send naval ships to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla, which has come under drone attack in international waters en route to deliver aid to Gaza. According to sources, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that his country's navy would join Italy's warships to protect the flotilla. "International law must be respected," Sanchez emphasized, adding that the citizens of 45 nations participating in the aid mission had every right to sail in the Mediterranean unharmed. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from various European ports last week, has been carrying humanitarian aid and supplies for the besieged Gaza Strip. However, on Tuesday, the flotilla reported explosions and drone attacks while sailing through international waters. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and international organizations, who accused Israel of violating international law. The decision by Italy and Spain to deploy naval ships to escort the flotilla marks a significant shift in their stance towards the Gaza crisis. In recent years, both countries have been critical of Israel's blockade on Gaza, which has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and humanitarian suffering. "This is a welcome development," said Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian human rights activist based in Ramallah. "The international community must take concrete steps to protect the flotilla and ensure that it reaches its destination safely." Meanwhile, Israeli officials have yet to comment on the deployment of Italian and Spanish warships. However, sources close to the government indicated that Israel would continue to enforce its blockade on Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla is expected to reach the Gaza Strip in the coming days, where it will be met by Palestinian authorities and aid organizations. The flotilla's arrival has sparked hopes of a significant increase in humanitarian aid and supplies for the besieged territory. As the situation unfolds, international attention remains focused on the role of Italy and Spain in protecting the flotilla. Their decision to deploy naval ships marks a significant escalation in their efforts to challenge Israel's blockade on Gaza and uphold international law. Background: The Global Sumud Flotilla is an annual humanitarian mission that aims to break Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver aid to the besieged territory. The flotilla has been organized by various human rights groups, including the Palestinian-led organization, the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee. Additional Perspectives: "This is a crucial moment for the international community," said Dr. Ahmed Tibi, an Israeli Arab politician and member of the Knesset. "We must work together to end the blockade on Gaza and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most." "The deployment of Italian and Spanish warships is a significant development," said EU spokesperson, Maja Kocijancic. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support all efforts to uphold international law." Current Status: The Global Sumud Flotilla remains at sea, escorted by Italian and Spanish naval ships. The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza in the coming days, where it will be met by Palestinian authorities and aid organizations. Next Developments: As the situation unfolds, international attention remains focused on the role of Italy and Spain in protecting the flotilla. Their decision to deploy naval ships marks a significant escalation in their efforts to challenge Israel's blockade on Gaza and uphold international law. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*