Meloni Criticizes Flotilla and General Strike for Gaza
Copenhagen: Premier Giorgia Meloni on Thursday criticized the Global Sumud Flotilla and the decision by the USB and CGIL trade unions to organize a general strike in protest following Israeli forces’ interception of vessels attempting to deliver aid to Gaza via sea.
According to Ansa News Agency, Meloni expressed her concerns while speaking to reporters in Copenhagen during the European summit. She stated, “I repeat, the flotilla has brought no benefits for the Palestinian people,” and emphasized that it could result in significant inconveniences for the Italian population. Meloni also questioned the timing of the general strike, commenting, “I wouldn’t have expected the unions to have called a general strike on a Friday, at least on an issue they consider as important as Gaza. A long weekend and the revolution do not go together.”
Meloni assured that her government is making efforts to support Italians involved in the flotilla who have been detained by Israel, despite opposing the initiative. She noted, “The boarding operations are still ongoing, we are following them minute by minute,” and pledged to do everything possible to ensure their prompt return to Italy.
Highlighting Italy’s contributions to Palestinian civilians, Meloni remarked, “Just yesterday, the Italian people were being thanked by the Palestinians for the work they are doing.” She pointed out Italy’s significant role in evacuating people from Gaza for medical treatment and in providing aid deliveries.
Meloni also expressed disappointment over the reluctance of many opposition parties to support a parliamentary motion backing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. She stated, “I’m sorry that, faced with an appeal we made for a united vote on a motion on the peace plan for the Middle East crisis, it seems that most of the opposition has decided to do otherwise.” She criticized the Italian Left for not aligning with the plan, which is endorsed by European and Arab countries, as well as the Palestinian National Authority.