Italy abandons aid flotilla despite worries over Israeli attacks

As the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) inches closer to the Gaza coastline to deliver aid, Italy has said that it will no longer follow the flotilla, according to France 24 via Reuters on September 30th.

The European country has previously sent a naval ship to protect its nationals after drone attacks on the flotilla. Italy’s Defence Ministry has communicated on several occasions that once the fleet is 150 nautical miles from the Palestinian territory, the frigate Frasan will leave the convoy, as it fears causing a “diplomatic incident” with Israel if it enters the blockade zone.

The fleet is set to defy the blockade with over 40 civilian boats with nationals from 45 countries, many of whom are activists and politicians. The GSF was attacked several times in Tunisia and off the coast of Greece, and the activists on board the ships are expecting more strikes, as they have now entered the dangerous zone.

Guido Crosetto, Italy’s Defence Minister, has made his ultimate call for the GSF to accept the compromise proposal made by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni to hand over the humanitarian aid to avoid being intercepted in the open sea by Israeli forces and being arrested by them.

Meloni said that “many would be happy to disrupt” it, and she fears that their mission would undermine the diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.

The US peace plan has been presented by Trump, who reportedly hopes that it will bring sustainable peace in the Middle East. Egypt and the UAE have both extended their endorsement of the plan.

Israel boarded a former Gaza-bound aid ship and arrested the activists on June 8th. The convoy tried to counter the country’s policy that halted any aid from entering into the war-torn territory in March 2025, by defying the maritime blockade.

The activists’ missions are a response to the current dire situation in the Palestinian territory caused by Israel’s policies, and the Global Sumud Flotilla seems more determined than ever to accomplish its humanitarian duties, despite the attacks and the warnings sent its way.