Brings no profit to Palestinian individuals: Italys PM Meloni once more criticises Gaza flotilla; 22 Italians held

Italy mentioned Thursday (October 2, 2025) that Israel had detained 22 Italians from an help flotilla, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeated her criticism of their try to achieve Gaza.

“Obviously we will do everything we can to ensure these people can return to Italy as soon as possible,” Ms. Meloni instructed reporters at a European Union assembly in Denmark.

But she added that “I continue to believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people”.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed parliament that Israel had reportedly detained 22 Italians who had been, so far as he knew, in good situation.

“I am relieved to note that the rules of engagement have been respected and that, up to this point, no acts of violence or complications have been recorded in the operation carried out by the Israeli forces,” he mentioned.

Two Italian members of parliament and two Italian members of the European Parliament participated within the Global Sumud Flotilla, which goals to interrupt Israel’s siege of Gaza.

On Wednesday (October 1), the Israeli navy started intercepting vessels within the flotilla after warning the activists in opposition to getting into waters it says fall below its blockade.

In a press release, the flotilla organisers branded the interceptions as “illegal” since they had been traversing worldwide waters.

Mr. Tajani mentioned the activists can be despatched to Europe on constitution planes from as early as Friday (October 3).

Thousands of protesters gathered in Rome and Naples on Wednesday (October 1) night in solidarity with the flotilla, whereas Italian commerce unions have known as for a common strike on Friday (October 3).

“Israel is violating international law. It is time to block everything,” mentioned the USB union.

Ms. Meloni, the pinnacle of a hard-right authorities, had beforehand known as the flotilla a “dangerous, irresponsible” initiative, even whereas Italy despatched a navy frigate to offer help.

On Tuesday (September 29), the premier urged the flotilla to cease to keep away from jeopardising US President Donald Trump’s plan to finish the Israel-Hamas battle.