Outrage in Italy over ‘Drone Attack’ on Sumud Flotilla

Rome: Opposition politicians voiced outrage and called on Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government to express condemnation on Tuesday after the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza said one of its boats was hit by a drone off the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said. The Tunisian coast guard, however, said it had not detected a drone.

According to Ansa News Agency, Francesco Boccia, the Senate whip for the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), stated, “One of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessels was attacked by a drone.” He described the incident as a very serious and illegal act, emphasizing the need for a clear condemnation from the Italian and European governments.

Ex-premier and 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte also spoke out about the alleged attack. He highlighted the paradox of citizens committed to a humanitarian project being treated like terrorists while criticizing the Italian government’s stance towards Israel. Conte urged Italy and Europe to support the Global Sumud Flotilla through investigations and strong actions, expressing concern that Meloni’s government has positioned Italy on the wrong side of history.

In the coming days, a group of Italian vessels with activists, including four Italian lawmakers from opposition parties, two Members of the European Parliament, a Senator, and a Lower House MP, is set to join the flotilla. The flotilla seeks to break through Israel’s naval blockade to deliver aid to Gaza.