Italy Scrambles Navy Frigate to Shield Greta's Flotilla - Here's What We Know 

Italy has dispatched a navy frigate to aid the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of civilian boats carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

The decision follows reports of multiple drone attacks on the flotilla in international waters near Greece, which damaged several vessels and raised serious safety concerns for the more than 500 participants from over 40 countries, including Italian citizens, lawmakers, and prominent activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel, which has blocked previous flotilla attempts in June and July, reiterated on Monday that it would not allow the convoy to reach Gaza, accusing organizers of ties to Hamas, a claim the activists deny. The Israeli Foreign Ministry proposed that the flotilla dock at Ashkelon port for aid inspection and transfer by Israeli authorities, a suggestion rejected by the organizers, who argue Israel’s blockade violates international law. Hamas has accused Israel of orchestrating the drone attacks, labeling them “terrorism,” while U.S. envoy Thomas Barrett suggested Israel was behind an earlier attack on the flotilla off Tunisia.

The United Nations has called for an “independent, impartial, and thorough investigation” into the incidents, with UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan condemning attacks on those delivering aid to Gaza. Activists, including Thunberg, described the strikes as a “scare tactic” but vowed to continue their mission. Italian activist Simone Zambrin, aboard one of the vessels, reported drones hovering for days before the attacks, which reportedly also included stun grenades and a substance with a gunpowder-like odor.

It's important to note that Greta and her cronies accused others of all sorts of lies, which have since been debunked. So whatever comes off the flotilla needs to be taken with a grain of salt, or independently verified.

The flotilla’s journey has sparked widespread solidarity in Italy, with recent protests and strikes in cities like Rome, Naples, and Milan demanding recognition of Palestinian statehood and an end to Italy’s perceived complicity in Israel’s actions. The left-wing party Potere al Popolo announced plans for a march in Rome on October 4 to support the flotilla and "Palestinian resistance". Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking at the UN General Assembly, stated that Italy would recognize a Palestinian state only if Hamas is excluded from governance and Israeli captives are released.

The situation remains tense as the flotilla approaches the “red zone” closer to Gaza, where the risk of Israeli interception increases. The Virginio Fasan is en route to provide potential support, should the need arise.