Spain announced Wednesday it will deploy a naval vessel to provide humanitarian support and protection for the Global Sumud Flotilla, a massive civilian-led aid mission bound for Gaza that has come under increasing threat from Israeli drone attacks and interference.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made the declaration during a United Nations General Assembly session in New York, underscoring Spain’s commitment to safeguarding international waters and supporting humanitarian efforts.

Sánchez confirmed that the Furor P-46, a 93-meter high-seas patrol ship commissioned in 2017 and crewed by 52 specialized sailors, would depart from Cartagena on Thursday. Equipped for maritime rescues and emergency support, the ship will operate strictly in international waters.

“A maritime action vessel equipped with all the necessary resources will set sail… in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out any rescues,” Sánchez stated, stressing that the mission is purely humanitarian.

Spain’s move follows Italy’s deployment of the frigate Fasan, which was redirected from its Mediterranean operation to protect the flotilla near Crete. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attacks on flotilla vessels as clear violations of international law and authorized military support to safeguard Italian nationals aboard.

Madrid has also coordinated with Rome and engaged in talks with Ireland for a broader European naval response, though EU officials clarified that European ships do not intend to confront Israeli forces directly.

The Global Sumud Flotilla—the largest maritime civilian challenge to Israel’s blockade of Gaza in 18 years—comprises over 50 vessels from 47 countries, carrying 250 tons of food, medicine, baby formula, and medical supplies, along with more than 500 activists, doctors, medics, and parliamentarians.

Departing from ports in Spain, Italy, and North Africa since late August, the flotilla is coordinated by groups including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza, and Sumud Nusantara.

High-profile figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham joined the mission, with all volunteers trained in non-violent resistance and first aid.

Tensions peaked on Tuesday night when activists reported 13 explosions and multiple drone incursions against nine ships near Greece. Communications were jammed, unidentified objects were dropped, and alarms spread across the fleet. While no casualties were reported, the incident deepened fears of Israeli sabotage.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had previously labeled the flotilla a “Hamas-linked extremist operation,” threatening interception and demanding aid be rerouted through Ashkelon. Organizers rejected the demand, calling it a continuation of the blockade that has choked Gaza’s aid supplies to a fraction of the UN’s required daily 500–600 trucks.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry reiterated on Tuesday that the flotilla “serves Hamas, not Gazans.” In contrast, UN experts and the EU urged Israel to refrain from threats, warning that obstructing the mission would violate international law.

The flotilla sets sail against the backdrop of a devastating crisis in Gaza, where 2.4 million Palestinians are trapped under siege.

Since October 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed and 166,000 wounded, including 20,000 children, according to UN investigators who recently concluded Israel is committing genocide.

Recent assaults include a new ground offensive in Gaza City launched on September 17 and the bombardment of Al-Shifa Hospital, the last functioning medical center. Essential medicines are down by 50%, while famine conditions worsen daily. Aid workers report 340 healthcare personnel killed in six months, adding to the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has sparked worldwide mobilization, drawing thousands to the streets in Naples and Rome, where protesters rallied in solidarity, while Italy’s USB trade union declared a general strike on September 22 to demand justice for Gaza. Mexican officials confirmed that their citizens aboard the flotilla remain safe following the drone attacks, and inside occupied Palestine itself, Israeli and Arab activists joined forces near Gaza’s border, staging a rally of more than 200 people on September 19 to demand the flotilla’s safe passage.

Organizers emphasize that the flotilla is far more than a convoy—it is a true “coalition of conscience.” In their words: “Every ship, every doctor, every box of medicine is a lifeline for Gaza. To break the siege is not only Gaza’s duty—it is humanity’s.”

With Spain and Italy now mobilizing naval assets, the Global Sumud Flotilla’s fate has become a test of international resolve against the blockade. As the fleet pushes forward despite drone threats, activists stress their mission is simple: to deliver aid, save lives, and stand in solidarity with Gaza’s besieged population. (ILKHA)