Meloni Criticized for Ineffectiveness in Responding to Flotilla Attack: Schlein

Rome: Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein criticized Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government on Wednesday for failing to protect Italians involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attacked by drones overnight.

According to Ansa News Agency, Schlein had previously urged the Italian government to ensure the safety of the crews participating in this humanitarian mission through a letter addressed to Giorgia Meloni. Schlein expressed her concern, stating, “Last night boats with male and female Italian citizens on board were attacked in international waters.” She emphasized that this was a deliberate assault on Italy by the Israeli government and called on President Meloni to address the situation.

Schlein further insisted that Meloni must outline her plans to guarantee the safety of the Italians involved, who are operating within international humanitarian law. She criticized Meloni’s current actions as ineffective and demanded explanations regarding the drones’ origins, their departure points, and the steps the government plans to take to ensure the crews’ safe passage.

The flotilla includes several Italian MPs and MEPs, notably from the opposition center-left PD, highlighting the mission’s significance and the urgent need for government intervention.