Spain and Italy Deploy Navy Ships to Protect Gaza Aid Flotilla After Drone Attack

Gaza Aid Flotilla Under Threat

• 🚢 A flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian activists and aid to Gaza has been targeted.
• 💥 Early Wednesday morning, the flotilla was attacked by what the Italian Defense Minister described as a swarm of drones, causing damage to several ships.
• ⚠️ The attack, which occurred near Greece, resulted in no injuries but was deemed "totally unacceptable" by the Italian minister.

Naval Protection and Blockade

• 🇪🇸 Spain and 🇮🇹 Italy are deploying navy ships to provide protection for the flotilla.
• 🛡️ These naval vessels will remain near the flotilla, not entering Israeli waters, to ensure the safety of the 58 Italians and others on board.
• 🚫 Israel has stated its intention to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza, though it has not claimed responsibility for the drone attack.

Alternative Aid Delivery Proposed

• 🇨🇾 The Italian Defense Minister suggested an alternative route for the aid, proposing the boats go to Cyprus.
• 🤝 He also proposed working with the Patriarch in Jerusalem to help deliver the aid to Gaza through the Catholic Church.
• ❌ The flotilla has rejected this alternative proposal, indicating a commitment to their original plan.