Spain and Italy Approach Potential Naval Confrontation with ‘israel’?

Pars Today, referencing Fars News Agency, reports that the Italian military announced on Thursday the deployment of a second warship to accompany the international Sumud fleet heading towards Gaza. This move follows the recent dispatch of the frigate Fasan, tasked with escorting ships that have been allegedly targeted by drone strikes, actions that participants claim were conducted by Israel.

The deployment of escorting warships has increased to three, comprising two Italian vessels and one Spanish ship. This strategic move by Madrid aims to bolster the international Sumud fleet. The decision came in response to a recent drone attack near the Greek coastline involving the fleet.

The Sumud fleet comprises approximately 50 vessels with thousands of participants hailing from over 44 nations. Previous endeavors to breach the Gaza blockade prior to 2010 met with some success; however, subsequent efforts have faced interceptions or attacks by Israeli forces. The most recent incidents occurred in June and July, with an additional vessel targeted by Israeli drones in May 2025.

In an analysis by Ahmad Mustafa for the Arabic-language website Arab21, the article explores the multifaceted military support for the significant global initiative against the Gaza blockade. The report highlights that Italy and Spain have deployed military ships designated to protect and support the Sumud fleet. Nonetheless, neither nation has directly attributed the drone attacks on the fleet to Israel.

**Diplomatic Deterrence**

Italy is endeavoring to steer clear of a direct clash with Israel. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suggested that the Sumud fleet provide humanitarian assistance to Cyprus or to Patrick Latin in al-Quds. This proposal would ensure that these entities assume the responsibility for forwarding the aid into Gaza.

**Status of the Sumud Fleet**

The Sumud fleet has declined to channel aid through an intermediary. Earlier, it turned down a proposal from Israel to reroute the ships to an Israeli port, suggesting that the aid then be transferred to Gaza by Israeli authorities. Additionally, the fleet has abstained from entering zones where military operations are active, citing the potential for hazardous outcomes.

**Latest Developments of the Sumud Fleet**

The international Sumud flotilla remains roughly four days from its destination at the Gaza Strip, contingent on avoiding logistical disruptions or aerial threats. On Tuesday, participants aboard the fleet reported an attack by drones, noting numerous explosions as multiple drones passed close by over the waters off the Greek coast.

The Sumud fleet has reported that a total of 12 explosions have impacted nine of its vessels globally, all executed using drones. The fleet described these incidents as elements of a psychological operation, asserting their resolve not to be intimidated by these actions.

**Duration of Military Escort Remains Unclear**

To date, official communications from Italy and Spain indicate that there is no anticipated direct maritime conflict with Israel. Both nations are prioritizing possible rescue operations. Italy’s Defense Minister has issued a call for activists to consider Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s proposal, cautioning that the Italian government may not be able to ensure the safety of its citizens should the fleet enter the territorial waters of other nations.

While Italian and Spanish military vessels have the right to traverse international and some territorial waters under the principle of “innocent passage,” it seems improbable that their warships will accompany the Sumud fleet all the way to a possible encounter with the Israeli navy. This is particularly the case since Israel has designated the maritime area off Gaza as an “active conflict zone.”