In the morning of Sept. 24, the Global Sumad Gaza flotilla announced that all crew were safe after incendiary and chemical attacks from a swarm of drones struck more than a dozen ships in the flotilla overnight.
The Italian Ministry of Defense issued a statement condemning the attack. “In a democracy, even demonstrations and forms of protest must be protected when they are conducted in compliance with the rules of international law and without resorting to violence.” Italy’s naval frigate Fasan is now heading to the flotilla “for potential rescue operations.”
In the afternoon of Sept. 24 Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain, too, would send a ship. “Tomorrow a maritime action vessel equipped with all necessary means will set sail from Cartagena in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out any rescue.”
It should be noted that the Italian and Spanish statements both refer to “rescue” operations. They have not committed to doing battle with the Israeli navy.
