Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez announced that Spain and Italy would send military ships to protect the fleet after a “global firm” Gaza rescue fleet was attacked by drones in waters near Greece.
However, now things have changed again, and Italy, which was involved in it, suddenly "changed its mind"-announcing that it would stop warship escort operations...
According to Reuters, France 24 on September 30 local time, the Italian Ministry of Defence said that once the rescue ship sailed within 150 nautical miles (about 278 kilometers) from the Gaza coast, the side of the Italian escort ship would stop moving forward.
Italy’s decision to halt the escort would make the rescue fleet more vulnerable to attacks by the Israeli army, and activists on board were aware that it “could be attacked again in the coming hours.”
To this end, the Italian side urged members of the rescue fleet to accept a “compromising plan” to unload aid supplies in the port of Cyprus, thus avoiding a positive conflict with the Israeli army.
"We reiterate again: the fleet will continue to sail. The Italian Navy will not hinder the mission. Humanitarian demands to break the blockade cannot be dragged back to the port." The "Global Resolute" Gaza rescue flotilla emphasized this in a statement.
The ship "Omar Mohtar" belonging to the "Global Solid" fleet National Radio Company of the United States
According to the Italian Ministry of Defence, once the rescue fleet arrives at a certain distance from the coast of Gaza, the escort Italian ships will stop moving.
“This has been told several times in recent days,” the Italian statement added, adding that its warships will issue two warnings to rescue fleet activists, after which rescue fleets may arrive within that specified range.
"Many people are happy to undermine the peace plan promoted by U.S. President Trump," Italian Prime Minister Meloni said in a statement."I am concerned that the flotilla's attempt to break through Israel's maritime blockade may provide such an excuse. I think the flotilla should stop its operations immediately."
Maria Elena Delia, an Italian spokesperson for the Global Determined Gaza rescue flotilla, said in a video posted on social media Instagram on September 30 local time that activists are preparing for a possible attack in the next few hours. "It is very likely that Israel will attack us tonight because all signs point to this happening." She said.
Activists have been informed that the Italian government plans to get naval frigates to stop escorting and turn back to avoid a "diplomatic incident" with Israel, and that the rescue convoy has no intention of heeding Italy's warning that it is not allowed to approach the Gaza coast, Della confirmed. She also criticized that "the Italian government succumbed to Israel's arrogance and lawlessness".
The "Global Firmness" Gaza Rescue Fleet is composed of multinational non-governmental organizations, humanitarian relief groups and international volunteers. It is using about 50 civilian ships to try to break through Israel's long-term blockade of Gaza and directly deliver food, medicine, medical equipment and other emergency supplies to local civilians. On board were lawyers and activists from different countries such as Italy, Sweden and Spain, including the famous Swedish "environmental girl" Thunberg.
On September 14, local time, people gathered in the port of Greece before the departure of two ships of the "Global Solid" fleet. by Reuters
On September 22 local time, Tumberi told Reuters that drones were flying over the fleet every night, saying in a video call on board: “The core of this operation is for Gaza, not for ourselves.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has said he expected the rescue flotilla to be intercepted on the high seas and activists could face the risk of arrest.
On September 30 local time, Croceto issued a "final appeal" urging members of the rescue flotilla to accept a "compromise solution" to drop aid in Cyprus, thus avoiding confrontation with Israeli troops. However, rescue fleet representatives repeatedly rejected this proposal.
Pope Leo XIV also expressed concerns about the safety of members of the rescue fleet.
"It's very important that all parties are saying,'I hope there won't be violence, I hope people can be respected.'" Leo XIV told reporters.
On the evening of September 23, local time, the “Global Solid” Gaza Rescue Fleet was attacked and interrupted by an unidentified drone while sailing in international waters near the island of Gafdous in Greece. The fleet heard at least 13 explosions above and around several vessels, while drones or aircraft threw “unidentified objects” at least 10 vessels.
“International waters feel like a battlefield,” human rights activist Ackall told NBC on September 24, describing the painful experience of that night, “bombs fell two in a row, but no one came to rescue.”
The rescue fleet has accused Israel of being responsible for the attacks.Israel has repeatedly criticized the fleet, saying it "has turned out to support Hamas", but has not responded to whether it was related to the drone attacks.
In June, Israel intercepted the aid ship "Madrin" to Gaza in international waters, forcibly boarded and detained 12 crew members to Israel and then deported them.Israel called the move "for national security reasons", but the fleet organization and several international aid agencies criticized the operation as a continuation of Gaza's long-standing sea blockade and pointed to its violation of international humanitarian law.
On September 30, 2025 local time, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the crew of the "Global Determined" Gaza rescue fleet took a group photo. Vision of China
Alkitam, a spokesman for the United Nations Office for Human Rights, said on September 24 that an independent, fair and thorough investigation of the drone attacks on the “global firm” Gaza rescue fleet must be carried out, such attacks must be stopped immediately and those responsible must be prosecuted.
"Attacks and threats against those trying to provide aid to Gaza and support hundreds of thousands of people suffering from famine and hunger are unbelievable." Arkitan said.
“As an occupying party, Israel must, within its capabilities, ensure the supply of food and medical supplies to the people of Gaza, or agree and facilitate the rapid and unhindered delivery of just humanitarian relief programs.”
As the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip intensifies, Israel is facing increasing criticism and resistance from the international community. As another country that sends warships to escort rescue convoys, Spain continues to be "tough" on issues related to Israel. As of press time, Spain has not issued a statement similar to Italy's to stop escorts.
According to the Spanish newspaper local time on September 29, Spain has closed a weapons transportation channel, prohibiting U.S. aircraft and ships from shipping weapons to Israel through the two military bases in the Spanish territory of Rota and Moron.
Sources from the Spanish-U.S. Joint Commission, which is responsible for managing U.S. military bases in Spain, said that whether it is delivering weapons directly to Israel from the Rota and Moron military bases, or aircraft and ships carrying weapons stop at these two bases. Going to Israel after going to Israel is within the scope of the Spanish government's ban.
The source stressed that "Rota and Moron are not the backdoors" and that Spain will not allow the U.S. unlimited use of military bases in its territory.
In addition, according to a Reuters report on September 29 that time, data from the flight tracking website showed that three drones from the Turkish Air Force base had been cruising over the international aid fleet heading for the Gaza Strip for three consecutive days.
On September 30, local time, the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that Turkey is paying close attention to the safe navigation of humanitarian aid ships in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, and will coordinate relevant agencies and international parties when necessary, and dispatch warships and search and rescue forces carrying out tasks in the region to provide support.
Exclusive texts of this section are not reproduced without authorization.