Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office in Rome condemned Israel’s interception of aid ships heading for Gaza on Thursday and demanded that Italian citizens “unlawfully detained” by Israel be released.
Germany and Italy also issued a joint statement expressing their “deep concern” against “irresponsible actions” and urging “full respect of international law”.
Israel confirmed that it arrested an estimated 175 activists on board at least 20 ships on international waters which were attempting to deliver Gaza humanitarian aid, and said that they will be transported to Greece.