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Pedro Sánchez sends naval vessel Furor from Cartagena to protect Gaza aid flotilla
Spain joins Italy in deploying military ship to assist flotilla facing attacks at sea
President Pedro Sánchez has announced that Spain will send the Maritime Action Vessel Furor from the port of Cartagena, in Murcia to provide assistance to the Global Sumud Flotilla currently sailing towards Gaza.The Global Sumud Flotilla is a group of more than 50 small civilian boats from over 40 countries, sailing together to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Furor is a modern Spanish Navy patrol ship based in Cartagena, specially equipped for rescue and support missions. It will stay close by, ready to assist or carry out rescues if necessary, showing Spain’s commitment to protecting its citizens and supporting humanitarian efforts amid increasing tensions.
His decision comes after a series of attacks on the humanitarian fleet, which carries aid and activists, including former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and several Spaniards.
Speaking at a press conference in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, Sánchez declared, “The Spanish government demands that international law be complied with and that the right of our citizens to navigate the Mediterranean in safe conditions be respected.” He added that the Furor would set sail today, “equipped with all the resources necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out a rescue if required.”
Spain’s deployment follows Italy’s move to send an Italian Navy multi-role frigate, announced earlier by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. The Italian frigate was already en route north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea to ensure the safety of Italian citizens on the flotilla.
The flotilla has recently reported a dangerous escalation of attacks, including targeted explosions, incendiary objects launched at vessels, and over 15 drones flying low above the fleet. These incidents have caused significant damage and disrupted communications on board.
In response, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned the attacks as “totally unacceptable” and called for them to end immediately. Albares is in contact with his counterparts from other countries with citizens on the flotilla, warning that those responsible for attacks “will be held accountable and will have to answer before international courts.”
Tensions remain high in the region, with Israel accusing Hamas of backing the flotilla and insisting the humanitarian cargo must be offloaded at the Israeli port of Ashkelon before entering Gaza. Israel maintains a naval blockade, stating, “Israel will not allow any ship to enter an active combat zone nor permit violations of a legal naval blockade.” Tel Aviv has warned that if the flotilla refuses Israel’s peaceful proposal, it will take necessary steps to prevent entry into the combat zone while aiming to ensure the passengers’ safety.
The deployment of the Furor from Cartagena marks Spain’s commitment to protecting its citizens and supporting humanitarian aid efforts amid ongoing regional volatility.
Image: wikicommons
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