The boats are leaving Crete and are now fewer than fifty-one: the Sumud Flotilla continues despite some defections and at least for the moment the destination has not changed, it is aiming for the Strip .

But discussions between activists and the government are becoming increasingly intense and will continue in the coming hours. Maria Elena Delia , spokesperson for the Italian delegation of the Global Movement to Gaza, spoke to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on the phone as soon as she returned to Italy. Tajani reiterated, "We are moving forward, but we are willing to work on a solution for a permanent aid corridor to Gaza." Tajani responded by again advising against enforcing the blockade because "it is dangerous."

The minister himself then informed Prime Minister Meloni of the content of the conversation. The government, for its part—Tajiani also explained on television—"will continue to ask Israel to protect the people" on the boats. And it is certain that not even Frontex will guarantee the activists' safety, as the European border control agency has clarified .

For the government, the main option on the table remains the intervention of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which would include the arrival of the flotilla in Cyprus , from which Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa himself would guarantee the transfer of food cargoes to the Gaza Strip via the port of Ashdod in Israel, then passing through the corridor opened by the Misericordie Amalthea. At the moment, it seems unlikely that this proposal, as it stands, will be accepted by the flotilla.

The spokesperson, who has expressed a greater willingness to mediate even after appeals from President Mattarella , hopes "that a solution can be quickly found that takes into account both the grave humanitarian emergency and the need to restore international law." It is no coincidence that she will be in Rome, it is reported, for "consultations with political leaders and the relevant ministers."

The head of the Farnesina also remains outstretched, but he clarifies: "We have explained the risks and dangers. As long as we can do something to prevent risks for Italian citizens, we will do so. If they enter, we will assist them there. The military vessel will not escort them, that's the only thing that's certain, " Tajani says, alluding to the drone attacks the fleet received in international waters a few days ago and the risk of more serious and dangerous ones.

An alternative route that activists would find more support for would be to reach Egypt by skirting Israeli territorial waters, thus reaching the coast a short distance from the Strip . The aid would then be unloaded on land to be transported by truck to Gaza, with other organizations already operating in Palestinian territory. This would mean at least temporarily opening one of the humanitarian corridors through the Rafah crossing. "If this were to happen, it would be revolutionary," commented one of the crew.

Meanwhile, the flotilla has set sail again, turning south to avoid a storm east of Crete . "Despite the sabotage, the mission continues. The Italian delegation on board is made up of approximately 50 people," the activists emphasize, "of whom approximately 40 have remained on board, and the remainder have legitimately decided to return to Italy to continue their work alongside the ground crew."

(Unioneonline)

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