Italy summons Israeli ambassador over treatment of Gaza flotilla activists

Italy summoned Israel's ambassador to protest the treatment of activists involved in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and demanded the immediate release of nationals still being held, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. The Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, summoned Jonathan Peled and conveyed the Italian government's "strong protest" over the matter.

Demand for release

During the meeting, Guariglia requested the immediate release and swift return to Italy of all Italian citizens still detained. Reiterating Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's position, Guariglia said the events were "unacceptable," particularly as the individuals involved were unarmed and had no violent intentions. He also highlighted the gravity of the intervention in international waters and expressed strong outrage at the images released.

Meloni and Tajani statement

Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Tajani criticized the incident. "The images of Israeli (National Security) Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates their human dignity," they said in a joint statement.

Defense minister's response

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on X that Ben-Gvir's actions do not serve Israel's interests. "We take pride in other things, Minister. We take pride in having always treated your fellow citizens with respect, and we are not in the habit of arresting people in international waters."

Flotilla seizure

The Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla said Tuesday that all 50 vessels in its aid convoy had been seized by Israel, with 428 people from 44 countries on board.