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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Wednesday that his country will dispatch a naval vessel to assist a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, following reports that several boats in the convoy were targeted by drone attacks near Greece.
"We are concerned, and that is why we will be deploying a ship to ensure that, if necessary, our citizens can be rescued and brought back to Spain," Sanchez told a news conference in New York. The Spanish naval vessel is scheduled to depart Thursday.
Spain's decision follows Italy's earlier announcement Wednesday that it had already sent a navy frigate to provide assistance to the flotilla. The coordinated European response highlights growing international concern over the safety of humanitarian vessels operating in the eastern Mediterranean.
The deployment comes after flotilla organizers reported that multiple vessels in their convoy had been subjected to drone attacks while navigating waters off the Greek coast. The incidents have raised questions about maritime security for humanitarian missions attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
The flotilla represents part of ongoing international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Spain and Italy's naval interventions mark a significant European response to ensure the safety of their nationals participating in the aid mission.
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