Italy Sends Second Navy Ship To Guard Gaza Aid Fleet

Italian Defense Minister Guidelines Crosetto. (Wikimedia Commons/DoD/US Navy/Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

JAKARTA - Italy has sent a second naval vessel to support an international aid fleet attacked by drones while trying to deliver aid to Gaza, Defense Ministerdo Crosetto said on Thursday.

The Global Fleet of Sumud (GSF) uses about 50 civilian ships to try to penetrate Israel's sea blockade in Gaza. Many lawyers and activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, participated.

"We have delivered one ship and another is on its way, ready to face any possibility," Defense Minister Crosetto said in a speech at the lower house of parliament.

Defense Minister Crosetto warned activists against insisting on trying to break through an Israeli blockade, urging them to accept Italy's proposal to hand over their aid supplies and allow them to be distributed in Gaza by the local Catholic Church.

"We cannot guarantee the safety of our citizens if they enter the territorial waters of other countries," explained Defense Minister Crosetto.

Italy delivered Virginio Fasan's (F 591) multi-player frigate on Wednesday, hours after GSF declared their ship the target of a drone dropping stun grenades and itching powder, in international waters 30 nautical miles (56 km) from Gavdos Island, Greece.

GSF blamed Israel for the attack.

Israel's Foreign Ministry did not respond directly to the allegations, but repeated calls for the fleet to deploy humanitarian aid at the Israeli port, handing it over to Israeli authorities to bring it to Gaza, or face its consequences.

Spain has also decided to ship military warships to protect the fleet.

The GSF said on Thursday morning its ships sailing at slow speed in Greek territorial waters had been targeted by "moderate drone activity" at night, and were heading for international waters "today".