In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, a flotilla of humanitarian vessels bound for Gaza was struck by a series of drone attacks and explosions on the nights of September 23 and 24, 2025, prompting Italy and Spain to send naval ships to assist and sparking urgent calls for an international investigation. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a coalition of 52 boats carrying more than 500 unarmed activists and aid workers from across Europe—including Italian, Spanish, and Swedish citizens—was just days from reaching the besieged enclave when the attacks occurred off the coast of Crete.
According to the BBC, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the drone attack, describing it as an "overnight drone attack by unidentified perpetrators" and ordered an Italian Navy frigate to the area to support Italian citizens aboard the flotilla. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "total condemnation" of the drone strike, stating that Italy was conducting its own investigation to determine who was responsible. Meloni also warned, "All of this is gratuitous, dangerous, and irresponsible. There’s no need to risk one’s safety and enter a war zone to deliver aid to Gaza, which the Italian government could have delivered in a matter of hours."
The GSF reported that at least 13 explosions occurred on and around several boats, with objects dropped from drones or aircraft on at least 10 vessels. Initially, no damage was reported, but later statements described "deployment of explosive and incendiary devices, deliberate dispersal of chemical substances onto civilian vessels, disabling of emergency communication devices and calculated physical damage designed to render the ships unseaworthy and endanger volunteers aboard." Unverified video footage released by the GSF showed a man diving for cover after an explosion and another explosion visible from the vessel Spectre.
Spanish lawmaker Juan Bordera, speaking to Reuters from one of the vessels, urged for a coordinated European response, saying, "I think this has to escalate further and further and reach … European Commission levels, because this needs to be tackled, coordinated with all the countries, at least in Europe." He described the night as a "crazy, crazy nightmare" and said participants were "stressed." The flotilla, which includes prominent pro-Palestinian activists such as Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, has become a focal point for international attention. Thunberg, speaking in a livestreamed conversation with Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, called the incident a "scare tactic" and added, "We were aware of the risks of these kind of attacks so that's not something that is going to stop us. We're very, very determined to continue our mission."
The United Nations responded swiftly. On September 24, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan called for an "independent, impartial and thorough investigation" into the attacks, emphasizing that anyone responsible for the "violations" should be held accountable. Francesca Albanese reported that the flotilla had come under attack 14 times between Tunis and Crete, with four vessels damaged and an unexploded device remaining on one boat as of September 23.
While the Israeli government has not commented directly on the latest incident, it has previously stated it will not allow the flotilla to breach its naval blockade of Gaza. On September 23, Israel’s foreign ministry warned it would take "necessary measures" to stop the vessels from entering the combat zone, offering instead to transfer aid through the Ashkelon port in Israel. The ministry accused the flotilla’s organizers of refusing this proposal and "pursuing a violent course of action," insisting, "If the flotilla continues to reject Israel’s peaceful proposal, Israel will take the necessary measures to prevent its entry into the combat zone and to stop any violation of a lawful naval blockade, while making every possible effort to ensure the safety of its passengers."
The GSF’s stated goal is to "break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people." This mission has resonated widely in Italy, where several politicians are on board the boats and public opinion has shifted sharply against Israel in recent weeks. According to the BBC, tens of thousands of Italians marched in protest across up to 80 towns and cities just days before the attack. Italy’s government, once among Israel’s closest European allies, has hardened its stance on the Gaza war, with Meloni now suggesting she is not opposed to a parliamentary motion recognizing Palestine, provided Hamas releases all hostages and is excluded from any government process.
Other European governments have also reacted. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on September 25 that a Spanish naval ship was being sent to assist the flotilla "in the event of any difficulties" and for potential rescue operations. Sweden’s foreign ministry said it was closely monitoring developments, noting that about 15 Swedish nationals were aboard the vessels.
The attacks come against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed a famine in Gaza City in September 2025, warning that it could spread to central and southern Gaza within weeks. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 440 Palestinians have died from malnutrition since the war began on October 7, 2023, including 162 since the famine declaration. The Israeli military launched its campaign in response to a Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry claims at least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli attacks.
Italy’s foreign ministry emphasized that it had notified Israeli authorities to ensure "any operation entrusted to Israel’s armed forces be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is currently mediating with Israel to allow the humanitarian supplies from the flotilla into Gaza. "The minister is in contact with the Israeli government and has identified a credible mediation mechanism. The Italian government is examining all options to avoid further offensive actions against the flotilla’s vessels," a spokesperson said, as reported by CNN.
The Greek coastguard, responding to the flotilla’s request for assistance, dispatched a Portuguese vessel from the EU’s border agency Frontex, which reportedly found no material damage to the boats. However, the flotilla maintains that four of its vessels are now damaged and require urgent repair, with an unexploded device still present as of the night of September 23.
Incidents like this are not without precedent. In May 2025, activists aboard an aid ship off Malta reported being targeted by an Israeli drone in international waters. The Israel Defense Forces did not deny involvement. Two weeks before the latest attacks, the GSF reported that two of its vessels were targeted by drones while anchored off Tunisia, with Tunisian authorities investigating the claims.
As the international community watches closely, the fate of the flotilla and its mission to deliver aid to Gaza remains uncertain. The calls for an impartial investigation grow louder, with the United Nations and European governments demanding answers and accountability. Whether the GSF’s efforts will ultimately succeed in opening a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza—or be stymied by further violence and diplomatic stalemate—remains to be seen.