Italy Deploys Frigate to Accompany Gaza-bound activist Fleet
ROME – Italy has dispatched a frigate to monitor and provide security for a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid and activists toward Gaza, amid reports of suspected drone attacks targeting the vessels. The move comes as organizers report two incidents involving potential drone strikes against the fleet during a stopover in Tunisia.
The ships, which departed Barcelona approximately three weeks ago-around August 28, 2024-are carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists and supplies.Organizers claim this campaign represents the largest effort of its kind to date, aiming to break the ongoing blockade of Gaza. The Italian deployment underscores growing international concern for the safety of the activists and the potential for escalation in the region.
This is not the first instance of disruption targeting the Gaza-bound vessels.In June and July, Israeli forces intercepted ships attempting to reach Gaza by sea, detaining crews and transporting them to Israel. on one such occasion, the ship Madleen, carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg, was stopped by the Israeli army. The italian frigate’s presence suggests a proactive approach to preventing similar confrontations and ensuring the safety of those involved, while also signaling Rome’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian efforts.
