Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made the announcement in New York on Wednesday, according to Spanish daily El Pais. He said a maritime action vessel equipped with rescue capabilities would depart from Cartagena on Thursday “in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out any rescues.”
The move comes after Italy said it would send the frigate Fasan to support Italian nationals on board the convoy and to assist in possible relief efforts. Reports said Madrid coordinated its deployment with Rome, while Spain’s Defense Ministry has also contacted its Italian counterpart to discuss broader cooperation with other European states, including Ireland.
Officials insisted the mission of the European vessels would be limited to providing humanitarian assistance and not engaging in confrontations with the Israeli regime. The Spanish ship is expected to remain in international waters.
The flotilla, composed of some 50 vessels, set sail earlier this month in a bid to break the Israeli regime’s illegal blockade and deliver much-needed medical supplies to Gaza. Around 2.4 million Palestinians in the territory have been enduring the crippling siege for the past 18 years.
Organizers of the flotilla reported that 12 explosions recently targeted nine of their ships in international waters following repeated drone attacks. While the group refrained from attributing responsibility, the Israeli regime – which has openly threatened to block the flotilla – has so far remained silent.
The development comes as the United Nations has determined that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where more than 65,000 people have lost their lives since October 2023 under the regime’s brutal US-backed onslaught.
Mojtaba Darabi - A.Akbari
