Italy Monitors Detained Citizens After Israeli Navy Halts Gaza Flotilla

taly has activated diplomatic channels to monitor the status of its citizens detained by Israeli authorities following the naval interception of a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla in international waters. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed Wednesday that approximately ten Italian nationals were among those detained during Israel's military operation against the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's nine-vessel convoy.

The Italian embassy in Tel Aviv and consular officials have been closely tracking the situation since early morning, with Tajani emphasizing that detained citizens would receive comprehensive consular support. Italy's Foreign Ministry crisis unit has been activated to coordinate efforts, including formal requests to Israeli authorities to ensure respect for individual rights throughout detention and anticipated deportation procedures.

Israeli naval forces intercepted all nine vessels belonging to the "Thousand Madleens" humanitarian mission approximately 120 nautical miles from Gaza's coast in international waters early Wednesday. The flotilla carried medical supplies, respiratory equipment, and nutritional support valued at over $110,000 intended for Gaza's hospital network, with around 100 international activists participating to challenge Israel's maritime blockade.

This marks the second major flotilla interception within a week, following Israel's seizure of over 40 vessels and detention of 450 activists last week. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, established in 2010, has organized numerous missions to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza's 2.4 million residents, who have lived under Israeli blockade for nearly 18 years amid deteriorating conditions that UN agencies characterize as famine.