Italy Deploys Naval Support to Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla Amid Escalating Tensions
On September 26, 2025, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced the deployment of navy ships to the southern Mediterranean to provide protection for civilians accompanying an international aid flotilla en route to Gaza, reports 24brussels.
The deployment follows a series of drone attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) that occurred off the coast of Crete, Greece. Crosetto confirmed that the frigate Fasan was sent on Wednesday after several vessels in the flotilla were targeted with stun grenades. A larger ship is also on its way to replace the Fasan upon its arrival.
“The Italian government strongly condemns what has happened. Attacks on civilian vessels in open waters are completely unacceptable,” stated Crosetto. He clarified that the mission of the Italian warships is strictly to protect Italians and other civilians aboard the flotilla and does not entail any offensive operations.
No group has claimed responsibility for the drone attacks; however, the flotilla attributed the assaults to Israel, which has yet to respond to the allegations.
The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of approximately 52 vessels and over 500 volunteers from more than 40 countries, aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade imposed since 2007 and deliver essential food and medical aid to Palestinians.
Earlier at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her concerns, stating that Israel had “crossed a line” in its military operations in Gaza. While acknowledging Israel’s right to retaliate against Hamas following the October 2023 attacks, she emphasized that the scale of retaliation is disproportionate and has resulted in extensive civilian casualties.
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has surged over the past two years, claiming over 65,000 lives in Gaza, with nearly half being women and children. This has intensified the humanitarian crisis, leaving 2 million people suffering in dire conditions.
