Spain downplays Gaza flotilla threat to Israel despite concerns over provocation

Its single objective is, "that humanitarian assistance can be accessed by the people of Gaza, I don't see why anyone would object or want to harm them," Albares said.

Such flotillas, however, can carry political motives and risk heightening regional tensions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the flotilla initiative as "gratuitous, dangerous and irresponsible".

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Writing by David Latona; Editing by Aislinn Laing, Aidan Lewis)