UK will not give diplomatic protection to its citizens on Gaza flotilla

The British government has said it cannot offer diplomatic protection to its citizens onboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, as Italy and Spain send ships to accompany it following an Israeli attack on Wednesday morning.

Mathilda Mallinson, MEE's correspondent onboard one of the flotilla's boats, said the British Foreign Office told her mother it was "unable to offer" diplomatic protection. 

Diplomatic protection is action the UK can take against another country for injury caused to a British national, or their property, in violation of international law. 

One boat Israel apparently bombed in Tunis, Alma, is a British vessel and flies the British flag. At least 13 people on the flotilla are British citizens.

Spain and Italy have sent naval ships into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy dispatched a frigate on Wednesday after an Israeli drone attack on the flotilla in international waters.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday: "Tomorrow we will dispatch a naval vessel from Cartagena with all necessary resources in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out a rescue operation."

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday: "We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality."

MEE understands the British government does not plan to send warships to accompany the Gaza flotilla, but that it would offer consular support to British nationals if needed.

The British Foreign Office has not responded on the record to requests for comment.

Late on Tuesday, activists heard explosions and saw drones that targeted some of their boats, currently situated off Greece.

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"Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats," the Global Sumud Flotilla said.

Bringing together more than 300 activists from 44 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, the civilian flotilla is the largest maritime aid convoy to head for Gaza since Israel began its genocide of Palestinians in October 2023. 

The flotilla was previously attacked by projectiles launched by drones while anchored in Tunisia on 8 and 9 September.

The Tunisian government described the attacks as "premeditated", but Israel did not take responsibility.

In recent days Israel has stepped up its threats against the flotilla, accusing organisers, without evidence, of supporting Hamas and of pursuing "a violent course of action".

The UN said it was calling for an urgent investigation into reports of an attack on the flotilla.