MOSCOW, Sept 25 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Italy will send a second frigate to support the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported Thursday, citing Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
The first ship, the Virginio Fasan frigate, has already reached the flotilla's navigation area to conduct potential rescue operations, provide assistance, and protect individuals in danger.
"It will be joined by another one, the Alpino, which has other capabilities.
"But we do not intend to use Italian ships to declare war on a friendly country. Our goal is different: to make people aware of the risk that those on board are exposed to," Crosetto told the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian parliament.
Italy, like any nation, cannot guarantee the flotilla's safety if it enters Israeli waters, the minister said. He urged activists to accept an offer from the Roman Catholic Church and the Italian government to transfer aid through official channels for delivery to Gaza residents.
"The government's responsibility is to ensure that none of the people on these ships are harmed, regardless of their political views or differences … And I want to seize this moment to convey to everyone on board that the situation is alarming. And we will not be able to guarantee safety once they leave international waters and enter the waters of another state," Crosetto added.
Early on Wednesday, drones attacked at least 10 vessels in the flotilla, Al Jazeera reported. As a result of the attacks, material damage was caused, but no injuries were reported.
Previous attempts by aid flotillas to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip have been unsuccessful. In June, the Madleen humanitarian ship carrying Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg, along with 12 activists and journalists, was heading towards Gaza, but Israeli forces intercepted it in international waters, detained the crew, and deported them.
In July, the Handala vessel was intercepted by Israel and the volunteers on board were kidnapped.
In September, the Alma ship was attacked using a drone while docked in the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia.
-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
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