Italy slams Israel over interception of Global Sumud Flotilla vessels

Italy has condemned Israel’s interception of aid vessels heading toward Gaza and called for the immediate release of all Italians who have been “unlawfully detained,” according to a statement from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office.

Rome also called on Israel to comply with international law and ensure the safety of everyone on board. The statement did not specify how many Italian citizens were among those detained, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

“The government reaffirms its commitment to continuing to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza within the framework of our cooperation and in accordance with international law,” it said.

Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters near Greece late on April 29, an action organisers from the Global Sumud Flotilla described as piracy against boats carrying humanitarian supplies to the war-damaged Palestinian enclave.

Meloni’s right-wing government has been one of Israel’s closest partners in Europe, though in recent weeks it has voiced criticism over strikes in Lebanon that have caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

Earlier this month, Italy suspended a defence cooperation agreement with Israel over developments in the Middle East.

The Israeli military had previously stopped a similar flotilla organised by the same group last October during an attempt to reach blockaded Gaza, detaining Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 participants.

By Jeyhun Aghazada