NATO Navies Escort Gaza Flotilla Amid Israeli Threats

The situation in the Mediterranean Sea has sharply escalated as a humanitarian flotilla named Global Sumud continues its journey towards the blockaded Gaza Strip. The situation has taken on an unprecedented nature after several NATO member countries—Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey—announced that they would ensure the flotilla's security with their naval forces in response to clear threats from Israel to stop it.

The Israeli military command has stated that its naval forces are preparing to intercept the flotilla, describing it as a provocation organized by Hamas. Army spokesman Brigadier General Effi Defrin told reporters on Thursday: "We are monitoring this flotilla. We have past experience, but this is different with its dozens of ships." He noted that this is the largest attempt to reach Gaza to date. "We are prepared to defend Israel's maritime borders," Defrin added, claiming they have "clear evidence" that the flotilla was planned and financed by Hamas representatives in Europe, although no evidence has been presented to support this claim.

The situation began to escalate after the flotilla was attacked by drones off the coast of Greece. The flotilla's organizers reported explosions and communication disruptions, as well as damage caused by "unknown objects" falling on the decks.

Italy immediately responded to this incident. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attack and announced that an Italian naval vessel had been sent towards the flotilla to provide possible assistance. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in turn, expressed concern for the safety of Italian citizens on the flotilla, including members of parliament and MEPs, demanding that Israeli authorities act within the framework of international law.

Spain followed Italy. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would send a warship to protect the flotilla. "The Spanish government insists that international law be respected and that the right of our citizens to sail in safe conditions in the Mediterranean Sea must be respected," Sánchez noted.

Greece, through whose territorial waters the flotilla is passing, has also declared its support. Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated that the Greek Navy would ensure the safe passage of the ships. "We will ensure safe navigation," he said, adding that the Israeli government has already been informed about the participation of Greek citizens in this action.

The latest and most significant development was Turkey's intervention. The organizers of the "Sumud" flotilla confirmed that Turkish naval frigates have begun to escort the flotilla, which is already three days away from Gaza. "The ships contacted us, asked about our needs, and confirmed that they will escort and support the flotilla," the organizers' statement said.

Thus, the situation has turned into a large-scale diplomatic and military confrontation. On one side are the activists on a humanitarian mission, now under the military protection of four NATO member countries, and on the other is Israel, which is determined to prevent the breach of the Gaza maritime blockade by force. The coming days will be crucial to see if the parties can avoid an open military clash, the consequences of which could be unpredictable for the entire region.