EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN -— The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, which is carrying vital aid to Gaza, faces a significant escalation in danger after experiencing a series of drone attacks while sailing in international waters near Greece. Following the attacks, two European countries, Italy and Spain, swiftly announced the deployment of naval vessels to escort and ensure the safety of the civilian convoy.
Earlier on Tuesday (9/23/2025) evening, the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of about 50 civilian ships and carrying more than 500 activists from various countries, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, reported that their ships were the target of at least 12 drone attacks.
The activists reported hearing explosions and seeing unidentified objects dropped around the ships, causing communication disruptions and damage to several parts of the ships. This incident, which activists claim is a tactic of intimidation, has raised urgent concerns for the safety of the unarmed participants.
“ALL CREW MEMBERS ARE SAFE. Last night, several civilian ships were targeted by unmanned drone attacks. The attacks included the use of explosive and incendiary devices, the deliberate spraying of chemicals onto civilian ships, the disruption of emergency communication devices, and physical damage designed to render the ships unseaworthy and endanger the volunteers on board.”
“All crew members are safe. Last night, many civilian vessels were targeted by unmanned drones. The attacks included the deployment of explosive and incendiary devices, the deliberate spreading of chemicals on civilian ships, the disabling of emergency communication devices, and calculated physical damage designed to render the ships unseaworthy and endanger the volunteers on board,” said GSF in a post on Instagram on Wednesday (9/24/2025).
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Supports Global Sumud Flotillas Humanitarian Mission for Palestine
In response to this critical situation, the Italian government was the first to announce that it would send its Navy frigates to the area for rescue and escort operations.
This move was immediately followed by Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Madrid would send naval vessels to ensure that its citizens could be rescued if necessary, while also sending a political and diplomatic signal to Israel. With this addition, three warships will escort the flotilla.
“We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality,” Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said in a speech to the lower house of parliament in Rome on Thursday (9/25/2025), according to Reuters.
Italy sent its first frigate on Wednesday (9/24/2025), hours after the GSF said the ship was targeted by a drone that dropped stun grenades and itching powder in international waters 30 nautical miles (56 km) off the coast of the Greek island of Gavdos. The GSF blamed Israel for the attack.
Spain has also decided to send military warships to protect the fleet. The GSF said on Thursday (9/25/2025) morning that its ships were sailing at slow speed in Greek territorial waters, were targeted by “moderate drone activity” at night, and were heading for international waters “today.”
The decision by Italy and Spain to deploy military assets in international waters marks concrete support for this humanitarian mission, amid Israel’s strong rejection of the flotilla attempting to break the maritime blockade of Gaza.
Read also: Indonesian Delegation Confirmed Safe in Attack on Global Sumud Flotilla in Tunisia
“The flotilla is sailing at slow speeds in Greek territorial waters, with moderate drone activity tonight. EU government sources point to escalating threats by Israel as we sail into international waters later today.”
“The flotilla is sailing at slow speeds in Greek territorial waters, with moderate drone activity tonight. Sources from the European Union government point to escalating threats by Israel as we sail into international waters later today,” said the flotilla in a post on Instagram at 4:08 a.m. local time on Thursday (9/25/2025).
Despite the pressure and threats, the Global Sumud Flotilla activists have affirmed their determination to continue sailing to Gaza, in the hope that the emergency aid they are carrying will alleviate the suffering of civilians there.
The courageous actions of these volunteers at sea show that hope will not be extinguished. However, the needs in Gaza far exceed the cargo of one ship. Let us increase our humanitarian support for our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
Continue to offer your best prayers and donations through http://digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/jagapalestina to help provide food, medicine, and other basic necessities for Palestine. Every bit of help we give is a breath of fresh air for those who are besieged! (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Dhika
Photo/Illustration: Doc. AL Italia
Editor: Dedi Fadlil