Italy withdraws from Gaza aid flotilla as 'Israel' threat looms
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Italy announced its navy will withdraw from the Global Sumud Flotilla once it nears Gaza, citing risks of an "Israeli" attack. The flotilla, carrying aid and activists, remains determined to break the blockade on Palestine despite warnings and mounting threats.
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Ships that are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza are anchored off the coast of Sidi Bou Said in Tunis, Tunisia, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (AP Photo/Anis Mili)
Italy’s navy announced it will withdraw from escorting the Global Sumud Flotilla once the aid convoy reaches 150 nautical miles (278 km) from Gaza, citing the risk of a confrontation with "Israel".
The Italian defense ministry confirmed Tuesday that its frigate will halt at the designated limit, stressing this position had been communicated “several times in recent days.” The ship is expected to issue two final warnings to flotilla members, including one at midnight GMT, before turning back.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of more than 40 civilian boats, is carrying parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, in an effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestine and challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Italian spokesperson Maria Elena Delia confirmed that activists had been informed of the government’s decision but said the flotilla would not turn back. “We have no intention of heeding Italy’s warnings,” she said, accusing authorities of seeking to avoid a “diplomatic incident” with "Israel."
Read more: Italian port workers threaten full trade halt with 'Israel'
Concerns over Israeli attack on Palestine aid mission
Delia warned that activists expect another Israeli strike in the coming hours. “'Israel' will probably attack us tonight, because all the signals point to this happening,” she said in a video posted on Instagram.
Last week, the flotilla was struck by drones armed with stun grenades and irritants in international waters off Greece.
Though "Israel" did not comment on the accusations, it has repeatedly pledged to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza, defending the blockade as part of its war on the Palestinian resistance.
Italy urges compromise to avoid confrontation
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto made a final appeal for the flotilla to accept a compromise and unload its aid in Cyprus instead of Gaza. He warned that activists could face arrest if intercepted by Israeli forces in open waters.
“The last appeal is to accept a solution that avoids unnecessary risks,” Crosetto said, but flotilla organizers have consistently rejected diversion proposals, insisting the aid must reach Gaza directly.
Despite mounting pressure, activists remain determined to proceed. Their mission comes amid devastating human tolls in Gaza, with "Israel" killing over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Read more: 'Israel' helped draft Trump settlement plan for Gaza
