Gaza Flotilla Faces Uncertainties as Italy Alters Naval Support

A flotilla of social activists from across the globe, aiming to break the blockade of Gaza, has neared the region. The Sumud flotilla is now close to the Gaza coast. The flotilla includes numerous ships carrying civilians, Italian parliamentarians, and members of the European Parliament. Israel had previously threatened to stop the flotilla. To protect the flotilla, Italy and Spain had sent naval vessels. However, Italy’s warship has altered its course. The Italian Ministry of Defence declared it would halt its support. The warship will cease its monitoring activities when the flotilla is within 150 nautical miles of the shore. The statement said the warship will issue two warnings to the activists, the second expected around 00:00 GMT, when the flotilla is expected to reach the specified distance.