Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has strongly condemned an alleged drone attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, comprising 52 boats, is currently stationed off the coast of Crete. Crosetto has deployed an Italian Navy frigate to assist Italian citizens on board, following reports of explosions, unidentified objects being dropped, and communications jamming. The GSF has accused Israel of a ‘dangerous escalation,’ though Israel has yet to comment. Unverified footage released by the GSF shows a man jumping onto a yacht’s deck after an apparent explosion nearby, while another video captures a visible explosion from the vessel Spectre. The GSF claims at least 13 explosions occurred around several boats, with drones dropping objects on at least 10 vessels, though no material damage was reported. Passengers have requested assistance from the Greek coastguard, and a Frontex vessel dispatched to the area found no evidence of damage. Prominent activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, have vowed to continue the mission despite the risks. Thunberg described the incident as a ‘scare tactic’ and emphasized the group’s determination to deliver aid. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has accused the flotilla of being ‘organized by Hamas’ and reiterated its commitment to enforcing the naval blockade. The GSF, however, maintains its goal is to ‘break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.’ The mission follows a UN-backed report confirming famine in Gaza City, with warnings of its spread to central and southern Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 440 deaths from malnutrition since the war began. Italy’s stance on the conflict has shifted, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni now aligning more closely with positions favoring Palestinian statehood, amid domestic political pressure and widespread protests.