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Gaza Aid Flotilla Rejects Cyprus Plan as Italy and Spain Position Warships Nearby

Organizers vow to continue from waters south of Crete despite intelligence warnings of possible Israeli attacks within 48 hours.

Overview

  • Italy’s defense minister condemned the Sept. 23–24 attacks on the convoy and said naval units are for rescue only in international waters, warning safety cannot be guaranteed in Israeli-controlled areas.
  • The Italian frigate Fasan is now shadowing the flotilla for potential assistance, with the Alpino deploying to take over the role in the area.
  • Spain is preparing to send the patrol ship Furor to provide support and coordinate with Italian assets for possible aid and rescue operations.
  • The flotilla formally rejected Italy’s proposal to offload cargo in Cyprus via the Latin Patriarchate, reiterating its plan to deliver aid directly to Gaza.
  • Organizers said they will make no further stops and aim to challenge the naval blockade, while Israel’s embassy in Italy stated it will not allow any breach of the blockade.