‘No Benefit To Palestinians’: Meloni Repeats Criticism Of Gaza Flotilla As 22 Italians Held

Last Updated:October 02, 2025, 19:27 IST

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament that the detained Italians were in good condition and had not been harmed

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks during a press conference.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday repeated her criticism of the pro-Palestinian aid flotilla heading towards Gaza, saying the mission “brings no benefit to the Palestinian people.”

Speaking at a European Union meeting in Denmark, Meloni said, “Obviously we will do everything we can to ensure these people can return to Italy as soon as possible.” However, she added, “I continue to believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people.”

Her comments came after Israel detained 22 Italian nationals who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of around 45 vessels attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament that the detained Italians were in good condition and had not been harmed. “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 said.

The flotilla includes politicians, pro-Palestinian activists, and humanitarian workers, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Two Italian members of parliament and two Italian members of the European Parliament were also on board.

Israel’s navy began intercepting the boats on Wednesday, warning they were entering waters under its blockade. According to the Israeli foreign ministry, none of the vessels breached the blockade. The activists will be deported to Europe, with the ministry calling the flotilla as a “Hamas-Sumud provocation.”

The flotilla organisers called the interceptions “illegal,” saying their vessels were sailing in international waters.

In Italy, protests broke out in Rome and Naples on Wednesday in support of the flotilla. Trade unions have announced a general strike on Friday, accusing Israel of violating international law. “It is time to block everything,” said the USB union in a statement.

Meloni, who leads a right-wing government, had previously described the flotilla as “dangerous and irresponsible,” though Italy had sent a navy frigate to monitor the situation and assist if needed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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