Meloni Urges Responsibility in Wake of Flotilla Drone Attack

New york: Premier Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday emphasized the need for responsibility following a drone attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza, advising against endangering lives by entering a war zone to deliver aid that the Italian government could provide swiftly.

According to Ansa News Agency, Meloni addressed the issue on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where she was scheduled to speak later that day. She criticized the initiative as “gratuitous, dangerous, and irresponsible,” particularly highlighting the involvement of four Italian MPs on the Flotilla. Meloni reiterated that the Italian government could deliver aid to Gaza within hours, rendering such risky ventures unnecessary.

Meloni disclosed that Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani was working on an alternative proposal for aid delivery. This plan involves sending aid to Cyprus, where the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem would assume the responsibility for its delivery. The proposal reportedly has the backing of the Cypriot, Israeli, and Italian governments, and Meloni awaited a response from the Flotilla.

Further, Meloni condemned the opposition’s use of the Gaza crisis as a political tool against the government. She expressed her dismay at the criticism of her proposal to recognize the state of Palestine, contingent on the removal of Hamas and the release of hostages. “I’m not stupid: what’s happening in Italy isn’t about alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza, but about attacking the Italian government,” Meloni stated, adding that it was objectively irresponsible to manipulate the situation in such a manner.

Meloni was “stunned” by the opposition’s negative reaction to her conditional proposal for Palestinian recognition. She clarified that her position was not intended to favor Hamas but to prepare for a future acknowledgment of Palestine under specific conditions.