Guido Crosetto, the Italian Defence Minister, announced on Thursday that Italy had sent a second navy vessel to support an international aid flotilla which was attacked by drones while attempting to deliver aid into Gaza.

About 50 civilian boats are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is trying to break Israel's naval blocksade on Gaza. On board are many lawyers and activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Crosetto, in an address to the lower chamber of parliament, said: "We've sent one ship. Another is on its way. We are ready for anything."

Italy sent its first frigate to international waters on Wednesday after the GSF reported that drones had dropped stun grenades, itching powder and other explosives in the 30 nautical mile (56 km), off the Greek island Gavdos.

The GSF has blamed Israel for this attack.

Israeli Foreign Ministry did not directly respond to the accusations, but instead repeated the invitation to the flotilla, inviting it to drop humanitarian assistance in an Israeli port and leave it up to Israeli authorities to transport it to Gaza or face consequences.

The decision to decide has been made

To protect the flotilla, a warship is sent.

Crosetto warned activists not to insist on breaking the Israeli blockade and encouraged them to accept the Italian proposal of handing over their aid supplies to the local Catholic Church in Gaza.

Crosetto stated that "we cannot guarantee the security of our citizens who enter the territorial water of another country."

GSF announced early Thursday morning that its vessels had been sailing in Greek territorial water at a slow pace, were subjected to moderate drone activity during the night and would be heading into international waters later today.

(source: Reuters)