Nine Italians in New Flotilla Intercepted by Israel

Tel aviv: Nine Italians were among the activists taking part in a new flotilla seeking to take aid to Gaza that has been intercepted by Israeli forces, the mission’s coordinator said on Wednesday. “On board the mission intercepted by Israel are nine Italians,” Freedom Flotilla Italy coordinator Zaher Darwish stated. “Six of them were on the boat Conscience. We haven’t had any more contact with them since the boarding by the Israeli forces.”

According to Ansa News Agency, the legal team has already been alerted to assist those on board. “We have already alerted the Adalah international legal team, which has already reached port,” Darwish said. “The lawyers are waiting for their arrival to try to give legal assistance. We are also contacting the Italian legal team and the organizers of the events in the various cities scheduled for today.”

The Israeli foreign ministry communicated via X that the flotilla’s attempt to breach the naval blockade was unsuccessful. “Another vain attempt to violate the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The ships and passengers were transferred to an Israeli port,” the ministry stated. “All are safe and sound and in good health. They are expected to be expelled promptly.”

Last week, the Global Sumud Flotilla, which included 45 Italians and four lawmakers, was also intercepted by Israel.