Italy Dispatches a Warship to Aid the "Endurance Flotilla" Amid Escalating Violence in Gaza

In a surprise move, Italy announced it is sending a naval frigate to assist the "Endurance Flotilla," a group of pro-Palestinian activists heading to Gaza. This action comes after the flotilla's organizers reported that several of their boats were targeted by drones off the coast of Greece. The situation is escalating at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen due to intense Israeli bombardment.

Attack on the "Endurance Flotilla" and Italy's Response

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed the dispatch of the frigate Fasan from the Italian Navy to provide potential assistance to the flotilla. Crosetto stated that he made the decision in consultation with the Prime Minister, emphasizing the goal is to "ensure the safety of Italian citizens" on board.

Crosetto condemned the attack "in the strongest terms," describing it as being carried out by "drones launched by currently unknown perpetrators." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also called on Israel to guarantee the safety of Italian nationals, including members of Parliament and the European Parliament, and urged Israel to comply with international law when dealing with the flotilla.

Tiago Ávila, a spokesperson for the flotilla, stated that six ships have been under attack since Wednesday morning, with reports of large explosions and jamming of communication devices.

Israel's Stance: "Hamas's Flotilla"

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the flotilla as "Hamas's flotilla," accusing organizers of rejecting an Israeli offer to deliver aid via the Ashkelon port. Israel argued that this refusal proves the mission serves Hamas's interests rather than the people of Gaza, and vowed to take necessary measures to prevent the flotilla from breaking its "legal naval blockade."

Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

These developments coincide with the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which has caused widespread destruction and an increasing number of casualties.

• Death Toll: The number of people killed in Gaza has risen to 37 since Wednesday morning, with most casualties reported in Gaza City.

• Civilian Casualties: The Palestinian Civil Defense announced that an Israeli airstrike hit a building housing displaced people in the Firas Market area, killing 22 individuals, including children and women. A resident described the scene as "very painful," noting the difficulty of recovering victims from under the rubble.

• Healthcare Collapse: Volunteer doctors from Australia described the situation at Al-Shifa Hospital as a "massacre, torture, and a nightmare." They reported performing surgeries in deplorable conditions with a severe lack of medications, equipment, and almost no pain relief.

• Displacement and Destruction: UN estimates indicate that hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from northern Gaza as Israeli forces advance. Vital medical facilities, including the Rantisi and St. John Eye Hospitals, have been damaged, and the Al-Quds Hospital's oxygen station has ceased operations.

• Grim Statistics: The number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has risen to at least 65,419, with 167,160 injured.