Italian PM urges Thunberg's flotilla to abort Gaza voyage
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged Greta Thunberg's flotilla to Gaza to abort the journey. The flotilla, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aims to break Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. Israel's ambassador to Sweden warns of risks and provocations.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is participating in an international flotilla attempting to reach Gaza to deliver aid. The ship Madleen, carrying twelve activists including Thunberg, departed from Catania in Sicily on July 1, 2024. The flotilla is organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Global Sumud, aiming to transport supplies like baby formula and medicines through Israel's naval blockade.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the voyage on social media, stating: "Abort the journey." She expressed concerns for safety and urged the activists to turn back. This comes as the flotilla approaches the Mediterranean from Sicily.
Israel's ambassador to Sweden, Benny Dagan, responded to the initiative, calling it a "provocation." He warned that Israel will act to stop the vessels, referencing past incidents where flotillas were intercepted at sea. Dagan emphasized that the route to Gaza is dangerous and aid should be channeled through official channels.
The flotilla activists replied to Dagan's statements, asserting they will not abort the journey. They described the blockade as an obstacle to humanitarian aid and stressed the importance of challenging it peacefully. The flotilla has previously announced it carries symbolic amounts of aid to highlight Gaza's situation.
The background to the voyage is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has maintained a blockade since 2007. Previous attempts, such as the 2010 flotilla, ended in clashes. Experts note that Israel may use naval forces to board or redirect the ships, as in prior cases. The flotilla's initiative has drawn international attention, with support from global activists but criticism from Israeli and some European leaders.