"If my son were on those ships, I'd tell him to stay home." Thus the Foreign Minister expressed his deep concern for the Italian citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, the humanitarian expedition aimed at lifting the naval blockade on Gaza.

Last night, the long-awaited phone call between Tajani and Maria Elena Delia, the mission's Italian spokesperson, finally took place . The two spoke after days of indirect contact, and it's not out of the question that further exchanges could take place today.

"The situation is very dangerous," the minister said. "I have repeatedly asked Israel for guarantees that there will be no violent reactions, but I don't know exactly who is on board." He was referring to the suspicion, already expressed several times by Tel Aviv, that among the passengers there may be people close to Hamas.

"Be careful," Tajani said over the phone. "Behave nonviolently, Gandhian-style."

No European escort, the activists remain alone

The mission, however, continues. After refusing to accept landing at two Israeli ports proposed in recent days, the activists are continuing toward Gaza, without the support of Frontex: the European Border and Coast Guard Agency has announced it will not provide any escorts.

The Italian Navy held the same position: "A military vessel that forces a blockade is entering a war," Tajani reiterated. "Who will take responsibility for any deaths?"

Harsh words, however, have not stopped the criticism from activists, who denounce "serious sabotage" by the Foreign Ministry. They are referring to the letter recently sent to each Italian participant in the mission, which clearly emphasizes that—in the event of an Israeli attack—no protection will be guaranteed.

(Unioneonline)

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