Overview

• About 42 civilian vessels remain in international waters en route to the Gaza Strip, with organizers saying they intend to proceed and estimate arrival in several days.
• Defense Minister Guido Crosetto warned that forcing the naval blockade would pose “pericoli elevatissimi” for the boats, as Italy’s frigate Alpino shadows the convoy for search‑and‑rescue and medical support only.
• President Isaac Herzog told Italy that Israel will stop any breach of the blockade and instructed forces to avoid the use of lethal force during any intervention.
• Activists rejected an Italian‑ and Vatican‑backed option to unload in Cyprus via the Latin Patriarchate; some participants are weighing a diversion toward Egypt and delivery via Rafah, which Israel currently does not permit.
• President Donald Trump is advancing a draft 21‑point Gaza plan before talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who says the proposal is still not finalized, as Rome maintains high‑level contacts including a call between Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.