Italy condemns 'attack' on Gaza aid flotilla and deploys frigate

Italy's defence minister directs a navy vessel to assist the flotilla's boats after what he says was a drone attack by unidentified perpetrators off Crete.

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Guido Crosetto also said he had ordered an Italian Navy frigate to head towards the 52 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which are mostly off the coast of Crete, to assist Italian citizens on board.

The GSF said several boats reported explosions and unidentified objects being dropped, as well as drones overhead and communications jamming. It accused Israel of a "dangerous escalation".

Israel's government has not commented. But it has previously said it will not let the flotilla reach its destination.

The overnight incident happened about 50km (27 nautical miles) south of Crete.