Spain and Italy have sent naval vessels into the eastern Mediterranean to escort a flotilla of activists trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It’s a move that could set up tensions at sea and comes after the convoy says it was attacked by drones.

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Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

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The Spanish Navy has sent the patrol vessel Furore to join an Italian frigate in the Eastern Mediterranean, with both ships tasked to escort a civilian flotilla delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The convoy, described by Spain's foreign minister as a peaceful humanitarian mission, is composed of more than 50 boats carrying activists, lawmakers, doctors, and religious leaders from 45 countries.

The flotilla seeks to deliver food and medicine to over half a million people suffering from famine in Gaza, despite Israeli warnings that no ships will be allowed to enter Gaza's waters. Organizers have rejected offers to reroute aid through other countries, citing concerns over past handling. There have been reports of attacks by Israeli drones on the flotilla in international waters, raising safety concerns as the mission continues.

Spain, Italy send navies to escort Gaza aid flotilla

In the port city of Cartagena, the Spanish Navy prepares for a mission unlike any in recent memory. The patrol vessel Furore is settling sail to join an Italian frigate already in the Eastern Mediterranean, both tasked with escorting a civilian flotilla headed to Gaza. What I would like is for the aid that the flotilla is bringing to Gaza to reach Gaza, and for none of the people or vessels involved to suffer any harm. We are working on this, which is why an Italian ship has gone there as a precaution, which has approached the flotilla. We are negotiating to try and find a way out that will allow us to achieve the best possible result with the arrival of aid in Gaza and, on the other hand, not putting the Italians in any danger. Spain's foreign minister insists the convoy poses no threat, describing it as a peaceful humanitarian mission that must be protected under international law. I don't know exactly what might happen in the coming hours and weeks because of the accusations that the government of Israel is making against those members of the flotilla from 45 countries. I have to tell you that we are concerned. We are going to send a ship to ensure that we can rescue them and they can return them to Spain. I say to Israel, Spain will protect its compatriots, diplomatically and politically. The global Samud flotilla is one of the largest attempts to break Israel's blockade. More than 50 boats carrying activists, lawmakers, doctors and religious leaders have sailed from European ports, demanding access for food and medicine to more than half a million people who are suffering from famine. We will not accept the offer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel to send to Cyprus, to Lebanon, our aid, because we know how Israel manages to make traps with aid. So we will reach Gaza and if we don't, it will be because the violence of Israel is again striking us. In Athens, demonstrators urged the government to offer protection to the boats and recognize a Palestinian state. We demand safe passage for the mission and the delivery of aid. It's a basic obligation under international law. But the risks are growing. Those on board accuse Israeli drones of attacking their boats in international waters south of Greece, damaging several vessels and disrupting communication. With Israelis warning that no ships will be allowed to enter Gaza's waters, this mission has become about more than delivering aid. It's testing the gap between the world's rhetoric and its willingness to act. Ali Hashim, Al Jazeera.

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Spain, Italy send navies to escort Gaza aid flotilla

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