Italian Defence Minister warns Gaza aid flotilla: "Extreme maritime risk ahead"
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has issued a stark warning to members of the international Flotilla Sumud, currently sailing towards the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid. Speaking in Rome, Crosetto underlined that operating civilian vessels in a militarily blockaded zone represents an “uncontrollable level of risk” with potentially dramatic consequences.
In brief
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto warned Italian participants of the Sumud Flotilla that an attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade involves an uncontrollable level of risk. The Sumud Flotilla, numbering about 50 vessels under the flags of more than 40 countries, set course for the Gaza Strip after a stop in Crete with several hundred activists, including MP Franciszek Sterczewski, Omar Faris, Nina Ptak and Ewa Jasiewicz. Italy and Spain sent warships to the area after a drone attack on some of the vessels. Rome proposes unloading the aid in Cyprus, which the activists do not accept.
During a meeting with the Italian delegation of the flotilla, the minister stressed:
– If the Flotilla Sumud were to attempt breaking the blockade, it would expose itself to dangers that could not be contained, given that these are civilian vessels facing military enforcement measures.
Flotilla bound for Gaza
After a stopover in Crete, the Flotilla Sumud – consisting of around 50 vessels under the flags of more than 40 nations – has set course for Gaza. On board are activists and politicians from multiple countries, including Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski, Omar Faris (President of the Polish-Palestinian Association), Nina Ptak (President of Nomada Association), and journalist-activist Ewa Jasiewicz. The Italian delegation also includes several parliamentarians.
Their declared aim is to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians living under severe war-related shortages. Responding to Crosetto, Italian spokesperson Maria Elena Delia said:
– We are sailing entirely legally in international waters. This is our responsibility.
Escalation of maritime risks
Last week, several vessels of the flotilla sustained damage following drone attacks at sea. In response, Italy deployed a naval vessel to the area to provide potential support, while Spain dispatched a warship of its own.
Israel has made clear it will not allow the flotilla to breach the maritime blockade. This sets the stage for a potential confrontation between civilian units and Israeli naval forces, raising serious concerns over navigational safety and risk escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Alternative proposals rejected
The Italian government has suggested unloading humanitarian cargo in Cyprus, from where it could be delivered into Gaza via humanitarian and diplomatic channels overseen by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Activists, however, have rejected this solution, reaffirming their intent to proceed directly toward Gaza.
Source: Gazeta Morska / PAP · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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