Italy's PM Urges Gaza Aid Flotilla to Halt Amid Peace Efforts

Sat Oct 11 2025 15:55:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Giorgia Meloni warns that the Global Sumud Flotilla's mission risks undermining a newly proposed US peace plan aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has advised the Global Sumud Flotilla, currently headed for Gaza, to cease its journey, asserting that the initiative could derail ongoing peace negotiations spearheaded by the U.S. Meloni emphasized the fragile nature of the peace process and urged the flotilla to compromise to prevent further conflict. Despite these warnings, the flotilla remains determined to proceed with its mission.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told a flotilla sailing towards Gaza to stop, stating that this latest attempt by activists to deliver aid risks derailing a U.S. plan to end the ongoing conflict.

The flotilla, consisting of over 40 boats accompanied by an Italian naval frigate, has received warnings that it would be stopped once reaching 150 nautical miles from the Gaza shoreline. Meloni expressed optimism regarding a new U.S. proposal aimed at concluding the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting the precariousness of the situation which could easily be disrupted by actions such as those taken by the flotilla.

I fear that the flotilla's attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade could serve as a pretext to do so, she remarked. Israel, in response, has urged the flotilla to redirect its humanitarian aid to an Israeli port instead.

The flotilla comprises more than 500 participants, including politicians from Italy and renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg. Reports indicate that the flotilla has entered a high-alert zone, citing increased drone activity and potential interception by unidentified vessels.

Meloni and Italian officials have suggested that the flotilla should drop its aid in Cyprus to avoid confrontation with Israeli authorities, asserting that continued actions could jeopardize peace efforts and worsen conditions for the people of Gaza. Conversely, the flotilla remains resolute, proclaiming that its mission will not be deterred, emphasizing the necessity of breaking the blockade.

Recent tensions escalated following reports of drone attacks on the flotilla, leading Italy and Spain to deploy naval support. Despite the challenges, Meloni has reiterated the importance of dialogue, with Pope Leo XIV voicing similar sentiments, urging the avoidance of violence and the necessity of respectful treatment for all involved.

In an interview, Thunberg defended the flotilla's integrity against accusations of being a publicity stunt, asserting that the risks involved underscore the seriousness of their humanitarian mission.