At least 22 Italian nationals were aboard boats involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli military ships on Wednesday and Thursday, activists said.
The boats of the flotilla intercepted included the vessel Morgana. On board were Five Star Movement (M5S) Senator Marco Croatti and Green Left Alliance (AVS) MEP Benedetta Scuderi, according to organisers. Previously, the flotilla had come under attack by drones.
At the time of writing, Israeli forces stopped 19 boats. Another 23 vessels remained en route to Gaza, while two appeared to be redirecting towards Cyprus.
Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Italian consulates would assist those involved. He said the activists would be taken to Israel and repatriated “within days.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar added that “Greta [Thunberg] and her friends are safe and sound,” referring to the Swedish climate activist reportedly participating in the flotilla.
Legal Action
A group called Jurists and Lawyers for Palestine (GAP) said it will file a complaint in Rome against Israel for alleged piracy. It also intends to accuse the Italian government of failing to protect its citizens participating in the mission.
Nationwide Protests
The interceptions sparked widespread demonstrations across Italy. Around 10,000 people marched in Rome on Wednesday. Protesters also occupied railway tracks in Naples and Pisa, while tensions flared in Milan’s Piazza della Scala and in Turin.
On Thursday, students extended protests by occupying schools and university faculties, including Milan’s Università Statale, Rome’s La Sapienza literature department, and humanities at Turin University.
Trade unions USB and CGIL announced a general strike for Friday, October 3, calling it a response to what they described as Israel’s attack on international law. USB declared: “Now is the time to block everything.”
A previous national strike organised by USB last week saw an estimated 500,000 people protest in 80 cities. That wave of demonstrations saw violent clashes in Milan, where 100 extremists injured 60 police officers.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said he may forbid Friday’s strike, citing public order and safety concerns.
T
