Flotilla Reports Drone Activity; Italy, Spain Deploy Ships

The Global Sumud Flotilla — about 50 civilian boats and activists from dozens of countries, including Greta Thunberg — is pressing toward Gaza despite a mechanical failure on a lead vessel; organizers say crew morale is high and all are safe. Activists reported being targeted by drone activity off Crete and near Gavdos that they say damaged vessels and communications, and alleged their radios were jammed to play ABBA and other music in a so-called psychological intimidation campaign. Organizers blamed Israel for the incidents; Israel urged the group to offload aid at Israeli ports or face consequences and reiterated it would prevent any breach of its naval blockade. Italy and Spain deployed naval ships to assist and protect participants, though Rome later said one frigate was replacing another rather than forming an escort fleet. Italian ministers warned activists against attempting to breach the blockade and proposed alternatives for distribution, such as offloading supplies in Cyprus or using church networks, while European officials called for respect for international law and protection of civilians.