"The Flotilla's stated objective is to help the people of Gaza, but it is essential that this commitment not translate into actions that would lead to no concrete results, but rather, risk having dramatic consequences with high and irrational risks ." This was stated by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto , who this afternoon met with a delegation from the movement represented by spokesperson Maria Elena Delia.

According to Crosetto, " if the Sumud Flotilla were to decide to take action to force a naval blockade, it would expose itself to extremely serious and unmanageable dangers, given that we are talking about civilian vessels aiming to 'force' a military presence."

"My priority, and that of the government," Crosetto said, "is and remains security and the use of effective and reliable solutions to truly help the people of Gaza, through humanitarian and diplomatic channels, all of which are already active." Crosetto also said he is "confident that better and greater results can be achieved for the Palestinian people in other ways, means, and systems."

There's no about-face from the volunteers, however. "Today we're just listening. The mission toward Gaza continues, we haven't had any defections, we're sailing in international waters in complete legality, this is our responsibility, " said Maria Elena Delia before meeting with Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry had already issued a harsh comment on the matter in the past few hours on X: "The Flotilla rejected the proposal of the Italian government and the Vatican to unload all the aid they may have in Cyprus and transfer it peacefully to Gaza, after having rejected two other Israeli proposals to unload the aid. It couldn't be clearer: this has nothing to do with aid, it's just provocation and serving Hamas ."

(Unioneonline)

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