Italy Condemns Israel Over Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists, Summons Israeli Ambassador.
Rome:
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned the treatment of activists detained by Israeli authorities following the interception of the Gaza-bound “Global Sumud Flotilla,” calling the images involving Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir “unacceptable” and an affront to human dignity.
In a sharply worded statement issued on Tuesday, Meloni said the Italian government was deeply disturbed by reports and visuals showing protesters — including several Italian citizens — allegedly subjected to humiliating and degrading treatment after being detained by Israeli forces.
“The images of Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this injurious treatment of human dignity,” Meloni stated.
Italy Demands Immediate Release of Citizens
The Italian Prime Minister announced that Rome had immediately activated diplomatic channels at the “highest institutional levels” to secure the release of Italian citizens involved in the incident.
She further said that Italy formally apologized to the demonstrators for the treatment they faced and criticized what she described as Israel’s disregard for repeated requests made by the Italian government.
“The Italian Government is immediately taking all the steps necessary to achieve the immediate liberation of the Italian citizens involved,” the statement said.
Israeli Ambassador to Be Summoned
In a significant diplomatic escalation, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed that the Israeli ambassador in Rome would be summoned for clarification over the incident.
The move reflects growing tension between Italy and Israel over the handling of the activists aboard the humanitarian flotilla attempting to reach Gaza.
Controversial Images Trigger Outrage
The controversy erupted after videos and photographs circulated online allegedly showing detained activists handcuffed, blindfolded, and forced to kneel during or after the interception operation carried out by Israeli authorities.
The flotilla, named the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” was reportedly attempting to deliver humanitarian aid and demonstrate solidarity with civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Human rights organizations and international activists have condemned the treatment of the detainees, while calls for independent investigations have intensified across Europe.
Growing International Concern
Meloni’s statement marks one of the strongest criticisms directed at Israel by the Italian government in recent months. Observers say the diplomatic response underlines increasing European unease over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the treatment of foreign activists involved in aid missions.
The Italian government has not yet disclosed the exact number of Italian citizens detained during the operation, but officials confirmed they are in constant contact with diplomatic representatives and families of those involved.
The Israeli government has not issued an official response to Italy’s latest remarks at the time of publication.
