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Italy sends a naval vessel to aid the Global Sumud Flotilla after drone attacks near Gaza. Activists blame Israel, while Giorgia Meloni calls for an investigation
Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an organisation trying to get aid into the besieged enclave using ships setting sail from ports across the Mediterranean, as saying that some of their vessels were targeted by drones.
Italy on Wednesday said that it has deployed one of its naval vessels to help the aid flotilla that was hit by drones while trying to reach Gaza. Activists have accused Israel of being responsible for the strikes.
CNN quoted volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an organisation trying to get aid into the besieged enclave using ships setting sail from ports across the Mediterranean, as saying that some of their vessels were targeted by drones. They alleged that the attacks were part of Israel’s move to intimidate those trying to send aid to Gaza.
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“In the final days before reaching Gaza, the GSF is experiencing an alarmingly dangerous escalation, with multiple boats reporting targeted explosions and unidentified objects being dropped on and near the boats, causing significant damage and widespread obstruction in communication,” the organisation said in a statement Tuesday.
They further said that these attacks are concerning as the flotillas have 500 unarmed participants from various countries, including Italy, Sweden and Spain.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet given any response to the claims.
On Tuesday, Israel’s foreign ministry in a post on X said that they would take “necessary measures” to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza. They further said that it would, however, be willing to transfer the aid from the flotilla to Gaza through the Ashkelon port in Israel.
“If the flotilla continues to reject Israel’s peaceful proposal, Israel will take the necessary measures to prevent its entry into the combat zone and to stop any violation of a lawful naval blockade, while making every possible effort to ensure the safety of its passengers,” the ministry added.
CNN quoted UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan calling for an “independent, impartial and thorough investigation” into the reported attacks.
Meanwhile, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that the country has authorised the dispatch of an Italian naval vessel for possible rescue operations. The statement added that the drone attack was carried out by “currently unidentified perpetrators.”
“The minister is in contact with the Israeli government and has identified a credible mediation mechanism. The Italian government is examining all options to avoid further offensive actions against the flotilla’s vessels,” the foreign ministry said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted her “total condemnation” of the drone strike on Tuesday night, calling it “gratuitous, dangerous and irresponsible.”
She added that Italy is “conducting our own investigation to determine who is responsible.”
Italy
September 25, 2025, 01:30 IST
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