Standoff at Sea: European Warships Escort Humanitarian Flotilla Toward Gaza

The largest humanitarian flotilla in modern times is now sailing across the Mediterranean, drawing global attention as it heads toward Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla, over fifty vessels carrying activists from forty-four nations across six continents, is expected to reach Gaza’s coast within forty-eight hours. If successful, it would mark the first breach of Israel’s 18-year naval siege, potentially opening the way for more aid convoys. In an unprecedented show of support, Spain has deployed a warship, Greece has pledged safe passage through its waters, and Italy has sent a naval escort, following widespread strikes and protests that have prompted the Meloni government to act.

Turkey joined Spain, Italy and Greece in monitoring the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid for Gaza that continued sailing east across the Mediterranean Sea on Monday despite warnings from Israel to stop the mission, flight data show.

Flight tracking websites showed that three long-endurance drones originating from Turkey’s Corlu airbase have been circling over the flotilla for three days, highlighting the growing international interest in the boats which have vowed to breach an Israeli naval blockade around the Gaza Strip.

Israel, however, has vowed to block the convoy. Drones have already been spotted shadowing the ships, while crews report electronic interference disrupting communications. What now looms is a tense standoff at sea: European warships and a fleet of civilian aid vessels on one side, Israel’s military on the other. The outcome of the next two days may determine whether Gaza receives long-awaited humanitarian aid or faces yet another confrontation on its shores.