Italian PM calls for Gaza Flotilla to end mission, says naval vessels will stop escorting as boats approach Gaza

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on the Global Sumud Flotilla to abandon its attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, as the flotilla continued to approach the coast and was expected to be intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Wednesday evening.

Organizers claimed on Tuesday that drone activity in its vicinity had increased. “We have now entered the high-risk zone, the area where previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted,” the flotilla said in a post on Telegram.

Meloni appealed to the activists not to endanger the chances for a ceasefire. “With the peace plan for the Middle East proposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, a hope of agreement has finally opened up to end the war and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population and to stabilize the region,” she posted to 𝕏. 

Meloni warned of “a fragile balance, which many would be happy to blow up.” 

“I fear that a pretext could be provided precisely by the Flotilla's attempt to force the Israeli naval blockade,” she continued. “For this reason too, I believe that the Flotilla should stop now and accept one of the various proposals put forward for the safe delivery of the aid.” 

Previous proposals, including one pushed for by Pope Leo, calling for the relatively small amount of humanitarian aid carried by the flotilla to be handed over to aid organizations bringing aid into Gaza. Pope Leo had earlier suggested the flotilla could hand over its aid on Cyprus to aid organizations, while the Israeli government offered to let the flotilla unload its aid in Ashkelon. 

The Italian PM warned that continuing to try to run the blockade would only inflame the situation. 

“Any other choice risks turning [it] into an instrument to prevent peace, fuel the conflict, and thus strike especially at that population of Gaza to which it is said one wants to bring relief. It is time for seriousness and responsibility.” 

The Global Sumud Flotilla rejected Meloni’s call, saying it would continue sailing towards Gaza. Leaders of the Flotilla also said they would not be dissuaded by the decision of the Italian government to withdraw its naval vessels which have been escorting the flotilla, along with a Spanish naval vessel, following claims of a drone attack. 

“The Italian navy will not derail this mission. The humanitarian demand to break the blockade cannot be walked back to port,” the Flotilla organizers said in a statement on their Telegram channel. 

It also accused the Italian Navy of “sabotage” for refusing to escort the flotilla through the Israeli blockade. 

The Italian defense ministry announced on Tuesday that its ships would stop escorting the flotilla once it reaches 150 nautical miles from the shores of Gaza, "as communicated several times in recent days.” Italy had previously announced that it would not participate in any actions to break the blockade. 

Listen to the Prime Minister of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni.

The US, Israel, and leaders from the Middle East and around the world are trying to bring an end to the war.

The focus should be on de-escalating, not on orchestrating provocations, such as the Hamas-Sumud flotilla.

It is… https://t.co/6LSWuU3vqb

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) September 30, 2025

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reposted Meloni’s statement on 𝕏, writing, “The focus should be on de-escalating, not on orchestrating provocations, such as the Hamas-Sumud flotilla.” 

Earlier this week, the Foreign Ministry released documents found by IDF soldiers in Gaza showing direct involvement by Hamas in the organization and funding of the “Sumud Flotilla". 

The Flotilla organizers, many of whom are mentioned in the documents, have not responded to the claims. 

EXPOSED: Official Hamas documents found in the Gaza Strip - now revealed for the first time - prove Hamas’ direct involvement in the funding and execution of the “Sumud” flotilla to Gaza

Hamas documents that were discovered in the Gaza Strip, and are being revealed for the first… pic.twitter.com/arcbcqh2Kx

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 30, 2025

The Israeli Navy has said that it will not allow the flotilla to sail to Gaza, and is expected to intercept the vessels on Wednesday evening, which marks the beginning of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

A special task force was established, including representatives of the IDF, Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the Foreign Ministry. 

As with the previous attempt to breach the blockade, Israel is expected to arrest and deport the activists on the flotilla, while placing in custody any who refuse to sign the deportation papers.