Rome, Italy. Italy condemned Israel’s seizure of vessels carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza and demanded the immediate release of all Italians it said were unlawfully detained, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office said on Thursday.
Interception of vessels near Greece
Israel intercepted the vessels in international waters near Greece late on Wednesday. The organisers, Global Sumud Flotilla, described the interception as an act of piracy against boats carrying humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
Italy calls for respect of international law
Rome urged Israel to respect international law and guarantee the safety of those on board. It did not say how many Italians had been detained.
Humanitarian assistance to Gaza
“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,” Meloni’s office said in a statement.
Recent strains in Italy-Israel relations
Meloni’s right-wing government has been among Israel’s closest friends in Europe, but in recent weeks it has criticised Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds and injured thousands.
Earlier this month, Italy suspended a defence cooperation deal with Israel over what it said was happening in the Middle East.
Israel’s response and prior flotilla attempt
Israel, which controls all access to the Gaza Strip, denies withholding supplies for the more than 2 million residents and described those onboard the flotilla boats as “attention-seeking agitators.”
Israel’s military halted a previous flotilla assembled by the same organisation last October in an attempt to reach blockaded Gaza, arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 participants.
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