October 1, 2025 | 05:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on activists sailing on the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to halt their activities. Italy will stop following the international fleet trying to deliver aid to Gaza after reaching a distance of 278 kilometers from the shore. Activists are concerned that Israel may attack the Global Sumud Flotilla in the coming hours.
Meloni warned that a confrontation with Israel could derail diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. "Many would be happy to disrupt a peace plan pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump," said Meloni in a statement quoted from France 24. "I fear that the flotilla's attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade could provide a pretext for this."
The Global Sumud Flotilla has previously been attacked by unmanned aircraft armed with stun grenades and irritants in international waters off the coast of Greece. The mission aimed to break Israel's blockade on the Palestinian enclave and consisted of over 40 civilian ships carrying parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The activists said they were preparing to face another attack in the coming hours. "Israel will probably attack us tonight, because all the signals point to this happening," said Maria Elena Delia, spokesperson for the Italian fleet, in an Instagram video on Tuesday.
According to the Italian Ministry of Defense, once the convoy reaches the 150-mile limit, the Italian frigate escorting it will stop. "As communicated several times in recent days," said the Italian Ministry of Defense.
The ship will issue two warnings to the activists when the fleet is expected to reach the designated distance. Delia said the activists had been informed of the government's plan to stop and turn back the navy ship to avoid diplomatic incidents with Israel.
She added that the fleet had no intention of heeding Italy's warnings not to approach the coast. Italy and Spain deployed navy ships last week to assist the fleet.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto estimated that the fleet would be intercepted at sea and the activists would be arrested. On Tuesday, Crosetto made a "last appeal" to fleet members to accept a compromise proposal to halt aid in Cyprus and avoid confrontation with Israeli forces.
Israel has not responded to the Global Sumud Flotilla's allegations that they were attacked last week. Israel has pledged to use any means to prevent the ships from reaching Gaza, arguing that its blockade is lawful as part of its war against the militant Hamas.
On Wednesday, Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing Al Jazeera, reported that the Israeli military was preparing to "take control" of the fleet with naval commando forces and warships. However, Israel will not seize all 50 ships and will sink some at sea. Israel will detain hundreds of activists on the navy ship, interrogate them, and then deport them through the port of Ashdod.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain on August 31, is the largest maritime mission to Gaza to date. The fleet has united over 50 ships and delegations from at least 44 countries, as part of an international effort to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.
Editor's Choice: Global Sumud Flotilla Nears Gaza in Effort to Break Israeli Blockade
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Policy on Palestine in Question After Prabowo Features on Israeli Billboards
2 jam lalu
The controversy surrounding President Prabowo's photo on an Israeli billboard raises public questions about Indonesia's relationship with Israel.
US Public Support for Israel Drops Significantly Two Years After Gaza Genocide
4 jam lalu
The support of Americans for Israel has significantly declined over the past two years due to the genocide in Gaza.
When is the Best Time to Visit Italy? Tips for a Crowd-Free Vacation
5 jam lalu
It's not too late to explore various destinations in Italy after the peak summer season.
Trump Gives Hamas 'Three to Four Days' Ultimatum to Respond Gaza Peace Proposal
5 jam lalu
President Trump sets a deadline for Hamas to respond to the peace proposal for Gaza
What World Leaders Say About Palestine at UN General Assembly
7 jam lalu
Regarding Palestine, several heads of state have called for a ceasefire in Gaza during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
Colombia Produces First Domestic Rifle to Replace Israeli Arms
21 jam lalu
Colombia has unveiled its first locally produced assault rifle, a lighter and cheaper model set to replace Israeli-supplied firearms.
Arab and Muslim Nations Including Indonesia Welcome Trump's Gaza Peace Plan
1 hari lalu
In a joint statement released on Monday, Arab and several Muslim countries formally endorsed Trump's peace proposal to end the war in Gaza.
Activists Give Update on Global Sumud Flotilla Journey to Gaza
1 hari lalu
The ships involved in the humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla are getting closer to Gaza. They are delivering humanitarian aid.
The Veto Power: How UNSC's Permanent Five Influence Global Conflicts
1 hari lalu
The veto power of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, has repeatedly obstructed crucial resolutions, from the conflicts in Gaza and Syria to the apartheid in South Africa.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry Reacts to Prabowo Pictured on Pro-Trump Gaza Deal Billboards
1 hari lalu
A billboard featuring a photo of President Prabowo Subianto alongside several heads of state has gone viral on social media. This comes after his speech at the UN General Assembly.
