Overview

• After regrouping off Crete, the Global Sumud Flotilla is sailing in international waters toward Gaza with a reduced contingent, continuing despite defections by some participants.
• Defence Minister Guido Crosetto met a flotilla delegation and cautioned that forcing the naval blockade could have “dramatic” consequences, reiterating that the Italian Navy will not provide an escort.
• Organizers say drones are monitoring the boats following earlier strikes that damaged vessels, and the convoy is being shadowed at a distance by the Italian frigate Alpino for potential rescue operations.
• Italy and the Latin Patriarchate have proposed offloading aid in Cyprus for transfer via Ashdod, but flotilla representatives have so far resisted; Frontex stated it cannot offer protection or escort under its mandate.
• Israel’s foreign ministry called the mission a provocation serving Hamas, while in Italy thousands rallied in Genoa and port workers halted loading of containers linked to an Israeli carrier before a new “sea corteo” tracked the vessel.