Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pledged that her government will take measures to protect Italians participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is en route to Gaza to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s ongoing blockade.

Meloni’s comments came in response to a letter from opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein, who sought clarification after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that flotilla passengers could be detained as terror suspects. Four Italian lawmakers, including a PD MEP and a PD Lower House MP, are set to take part in the flotilla.

While acknowledging the flotilla’s symbolic and political significance, Meloni urged participants to use existing humanitarian channels to avoid “exposing participants… to the risks of travelling to a crisis zone and the resulting burden on the various state authorities involved to ensure protection and security.” She emphasized that the Italian government will take all measures to protect its citizens abroad, as has been standard practice.

Meloni also highlighted alternative avenues for aid, citing the Italian-led Food for Gaza initiative, which has delivered over 200 tonnes of food and medical supplies to the besieged population, including isolated areas of the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, Green-Left Alliance (AVS) MP Angelo Bonelli demanded answers after three Israeli military aircraft landed at the Sigonella air base in Sicily on Wednesday. Bonelli expressed outrage, saying: “It is unacceptable for Italian bases to be used by the military aircraft of a state that is conducting a massacre against the Palestinian people.”

According to Bonelli, one of the aircraft, a KC-130H, departed from Nevatim Air Base in Israel at 3:10 p.m., landed in Sigonella at 6:40 p.m., and took off again shortly afterward. The MP called on the government to clarify whether the planes were monitoring the Global Sumud Flotilla or transporting military equipment, raising concerns over Italy’s indirect complicity in the blockade and occupation of Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising activists, politicians, and humanitarian volunteers from dozens of countries, aims to deliver essential aid to Gaza while drawing international attention to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel’s blockade. Organizers emphasize the mission’s urgency, given the continued shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies in the besieged territory.

Human rights advocates and pro-Palestinian groups in Italy have praised the flotilla and criticized the Italian government for any perceived cooperation with Israeli military operations, calling for full transparency regarding the use of Italian bases by Israeli forces.

The flotilla’s departure comes at a critical moment as Gaza faces ongoing aggression, with international observers warning that continued inaction and complicity will further exacerbate the humanitarian disaster. (ILKHA)