Overview

• Italian vessels are staged in Catania and Siracusa, with departure pushed beyond September 7 to an unspecified date while delegations from Barcelona and Tunisia align.
• The Israel Defense Forces released a video of coastal and naval exercises prepared for a possible approach by the flotilla off Gaza.
• Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Yariv Levin called for tough detention measures for any participants arrested, sharpening the government’s stance.
• Italian unions and civic groups, including CGIL, mounted nationwide rallies as port workers’ collectives warned of strikes or blockades if the mission is intercepted.
• Organizers say the civilian fleet seeks to deliver substantial humanitarian aid with dozens of small boats and have issued behavior guidelines and legal support for participants.