Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told a flotilla sailing towards Gaza to stop, stating that this latest attempt by activists to deliver aid risks derailing an ongoing US plan to end the war. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprised of more than 40 boats, is being monitored by an Italian naval frigate, which would withdraw once the flotilla is 150 nautical miles from Gaza's coastline. Upon reaching this distance on Wednesday, the GSF reported being on 'high alert' due to increasing drone activity overhead.
Meloni expressed that the US proposal has sparked 'hope' for a resolution to the Israel-Hamas war, emphasizing that the situation is a 'fragile balance'. She warned, 'I fear that the flotilla's attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade could serve as a pretext to do so.' Israel has urged the flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to an Israeli port instead.
The flotilla consists of over 500 individuals, which includes Italian politicians and prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. Following reports of drone activity and past flotilla attacks, officials have prepped for potential interception, stressing the imperative for the flotilla to drop the aid in Cyprus to avoid confrontation with Israel.
Meloni stated, 'Any other choice risks becoming a pretext for preventing peace, fuelling conflict and therefore affecting above all the people of Gaza.' Despite the warnings, the GSF maintains its intention to continue sailing.
Officials from both Italy and Spain have been deployed with naval ships to protect the flotilla amid escalating tensions. Previous incidents involving drone strikes and communications jamming from unidentified drones have raised alarms, with Italy condemning these actions as a 'dangerous escalation'.
Pope Leo XIV has also weighed in, expressing hope for the safety of the flotilla. Meanwhile, in an interview with the BBC, Thunberg emphasized the seriousness of their mission, dismissing critiques of it being simply a 'publicity stunt'.
