Premier Giorgia Meloni said her government will take steps to protect Italians joining the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza.
She was replying to a letter from opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein. Schlein asked what measures would be taken after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned flotilla passengers would be detained as terror suspects.
Four Italian lawmakers are set to take part, including a PD MEP and a PD Lower House MP.
Meloni urged participants to use existing humanitarian channels. She said this would avoid “exposing participants… to the risks of travelling to a crisis zone and the resulting burden on the various state authorities involved to ensure protection and security”.
She acknowledged the flotilla may have “a symbolic or political purpose.” However, she said, “The Italian Government assures that all measures will be taken to protect and secure compatriots abroad in such situations, as has always been guaranteed up to now.”
The premier added there were “more effective” ways to provide aid to Gaza. She highlighted the Italian-led Food for Gaza initiative, which has delivered over 200 tonnes of food and medical supplies. The initiative has even reached isolated parts of the Strip.
Why did Israeli military planes land on Sicily?
Meanwhile, Green-Left Alliance (AVS) MP Angelo Bonelli demanded explanations from the government over Israeli military aircraft landing at the Sigonella air base in Sicily.
“Three Israeli military aircraft flew over Sicily and landed at the Sigonella military base,” Bonelli said on Wednesday.
“One of these aircraft, a KC-130H, took off yesterday from Nevatim Air Base in Israel at 3:10 p.m. It landed in Sigonella at 6:40 p.m., then took off again.
“It is unacceptable for Italian bases to be used by the military aircraft of a state that is conducting a massacre against the Palestinian people.
“The government must tell us clearly: did these planes come to spy on the Global Sumud Flotilla… or did they come to take on war material?”
