Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the international aid flotilla heading toward Gaza to immediately halt its mission, warning that the confrontation with Israel could undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Meloni emphasized that continuing the attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade might disrupt the “delicate balance” required for peace, which is currently being pursued under the plan of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Many would be pleased if this plan were obstructed. I fear that the ship’s attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade could be exploited as justification for this. For that reason, I believe the vessel must stop now,” Meloni stated.
Italian Navy to Shadow the Flotilla
According to Reuters, the Italian Navy confirmed it will continue shadowing the flotilla until it reaches a distance of 278 kilometers (150 nautical miles) from Gaza’s coast.
The aid ship has been informed that an Italian frigate will soon contact them via radio and offer crew members the chance to disembark and return to shore before entering the “critical zone.”
Global Sumud Flotilla’s Response
Despite the warnings, the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of more than 40 civilian vessels, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists – among them climate activist Greta Thunberg – has vowed to continue its mission to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
The Italian Ministry of Defense confirmed earlier today that the navy’s involvement will end once the flotilla reaches the 278 km mark from Gaza’s shore.
