The Global Sumud Flotilla, which is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, reported that several of its boats were targeted by drones while sailing south of Greece. Activists stated they heard at least 13 explosions and experienced communications jamming during the incident. The flotilla claimed that unidentified drones dropped objects on at least ten of its vessels. Although no casualties were reported, the boats sustained damage, and communication was severely disrupted.

In response to the situation, Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced the deployment of a navy frigate to assist the flotilla. He stated, "To ensure assistance to the Italian citizens on the 'Flotilla'… I spoke with the Prime Minister and authorized the immediate intervention of the Italian Navy's multi-purpose frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea." The frigate is currently en route to the area for potential rescue operations.

Crosetto condemned the drone attacks, calling them an "attack" by unidentified perpetrators. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has also reached out to Israel, urging the government to ensure the safety of Italian citizens involved in the flotilla, which includes members of parliament and European parliament members. The Italian Foreign Ministry emphasized that any operations conducted by Israeli forces must adhere to international law and exercise utmost caution.

Activists aboard the flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month, are carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza. German human rights activist Yasemin Acar, a member of the flotilla, stated in a video, "We are carrying only humanitarian aid. We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people (and) starving a whole population."

The Israeli foreign ministry has accused the flotilla's organizers of having ties to Hamas and has proposed that the activists unload their aid at the Israeli port of Ashkelon, where it would then be transported to Gaza. The ministry reiterated that Israel would not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone or breach its naval blockade.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of 51 vessels, has faced multiple attacks since its departure, including two incidents while anchored in Tunisian waters. This flotilla is considered the largest attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for 18 years. Previous attempts by activists to breach the blockade have also faced violence, including a notable incident in 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of ten Turkish activists.

As the flotilla continues its mission, it remains under scrutiny from Israeli authorities, who have warned that necessary measures will be taken to prevent its entry into Gaza.