Italy and Spain say they are sending ships to help a targeted fleet of drones while they are trying to deliver aid to Gaza, along with activists who claim Israel is behind the strike.
Volunteers at Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) – Organizations seeking assistance to besieged enclaves using ships departing from Mediterranean ports say some of their ships were targeted by drones. The organization argued that the attack was part of a sustained Israeli campaign of blackmail.
CNN contacted the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) for comment.
The boat was only days after reaching the enclave when the latest reported attack occurred Tuesday.
“On the last day before reaching Gaza, the GSF has experienced an incredibly dangerous escalation, with multiple boats reporting targeted explosions, and unidentified objects being dropped into the boat and nearby, causing significant damage and widespread interference to communication,” the organization said Tuesday.
The incident raised urgent concerns about the safety of more than 500 unarmed participants aboard the fleet, the GSF said.
CNN has a variety of nationals on the ship, including citizens of Italy, Sweden and Spain.
Speaking from one of the ships following the reported attacks, Spanish lawmakers urged international action to help activists.
“I think this will need to escalate more and more and reach the level of the European Commission, because it needs to be coordinated with all countries, at least in Europe.
Bordera added that amid the explosion on Tuesday night, people in the fleet have overcome “stress” and “crazy and crazy nightmares.”
Israeli forces have delved deep into Gaza, one of the most populous regions in the Enclave, and launched a ground attack that has penetrated deep into Gaza, which has sparked widespread criticism both at home and abroad.
According to an update from Enclave’s hospital, nearly 100 people have been killed in Gaza, including around 55 people from Gaza City alone.
Within Israel, the remaining hostage families held in Gaza say the operation puts them in even greater danger. Approximately 20 hostages are thought to be still alive. Many European governments, like Canada and Australia, believe it is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in abused enclaves.
Last week, an independent UN investigation first concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza for the first time. The Israeli government strongly denied it.
Foreign activists have tried to deliver aid to Gaza in the past, but found that they were either intercepted by Israeli forces or that the vessels were under some form of attack.
On Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in X that the country will take “necessary measures” to stop the latest fleet from reaching Gaza. The ministry accused of refusing aid from the fleet to Gaza via Israel’s port of Ashkelon, but refusing to do so and insisting that it “pursuing a violent course of action.”
“If the fleet continues to reject Israel’s peaceful proposals, Israel will take all necessary steps to prevent entry into the combat zone, stop violations of legitimate naval blockades, and ensure the safety of its passengers,” the ministry added.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on occupied Palestinian territory, wrote to X that flotilla was attacked 14 times between Tunis and Crete. “Currently, four vessels are damaged and require emergency repairs. As of last night, the unexploded device remains in one of the boats,” she wrote.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesman for the UN Human Rights Office, calls for an “independent, fair and thorough investigation” of reported attacks.
Italy has approved the dispatch of Italian naval vessels and is currently heading to the area for rescue operations, according to a statement from Italian Defense Minister Guido Closett. The statement added that the drone attack was carried out by “now unidentified assailants.”
Rome urges fleet organizers to hand over assistance for distribution
Hours later, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke about the “complete condemnation” of the drone strike on Tuesday night, adding that Italy is “conducting our own investigation to determine whoever is responsible.”
Meloni also advised people on fluids to unnecessarily put their safety at risk by continuing their mission.
“All of these are free, dangerous and irresponsible. There is no need to risk your safety. You don’t have to enter the war zone to provide assistance to Gaza.
She would instead urge her to accept a proposal from Rome to transfer aid to the Latin patriarchy of Jerusalem, Cyprus, which would take responsibility for childbirth.
Italian officials say a ship bound to Gaza is carrying Italian citizens along with Parliament. “To ensure their security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already notified Israeli authorities that operations entrusted to the Israeli military will be carried out in accordance with international law and the principles of absolute caution,” a statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is working to mediate with the Israeli government and has allowed humanitarian supplies transported by his office’s fleet to enter Gaza.
“The minister has contacted the Israeli government and has identified a reliable mediation mechanism. The Italian government is considering all options to avoid further aggressive actions against the fleet’s vessels,” the office added.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country also dispatched ships on Thursday to support the fleet for potential rescue operations “if difficulties arise.”
Israeli Foreign Ministry reiterated Wednesday evening that the fleet would not be allowed to reach Gaza, but could remove aid “which could potentially be peacefully moved to Gaza at any port in a nearby country other than Israel.”
Meanwhile, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said it was very closely followed the development, adding that around 15 Swedish citizens were on board the ship.
In May, activists on aid ship said they were targeted by Israeli drones in international waters off Malta. The IDF did not deny involvement in the drone attack. Israeli Air Force cargo planes were picked up by flight trackers that were circling waters near Malta for a long time prior to the attack.
