UN-Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain’s navy will join Italy in sending warships to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attacked by drones in international waters while en route to deliver aid to Gaza.

Speaking in New York on Wednesday during the United Nations General Assembly, Sanchez stressed that international law must be upheld and that citizens from 45 nations participating in the aid mission have the right to navigate the Mediterranean safely. He confirmed that Spain will dispatch a naval vessel from Cartagena to provide support or carry out rescue operations if needed.

The flotilla, consisting of around 50 civilian boats loaded with aid, was targeted overnight by Israeli drones and aircraft, according to activists. They reported low-flying drones dropping flashbang devices and other unidentified objects, as well as deliberate radio jamming that disrupted communication among vessels. Organizers condemned the attacks as “an alarmingly dangerous escalation.”

Italy also announced it would send a frigate after Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the assaults. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Italian citizens, including lawmakers and members of the European Parliament, are aboard the flotilla. He said Rome had already urged Israel to ensure the safety of passengers and operate strictly within international law.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, called on UN member states to address the attacks at the ongoing UNGA session. Thunberg, on her second attempt to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza, told that drones have been shadowing the ships nightly.

“This mission is about Gaza, not about us. Any risks we take are nothing compared to what Palestinians face every day,” Thunberg said in a video call from onboard.