Overview

• Israeli forces halted the flotilla in early October, detained participants and began processing expulsions to Europe, with four Italian MPs already back and others expected to be removed on charter flights, according to reports.
• The Israeli foreign ministry and police released footage and statements asserting the boats carried little or no humanitarian aid, a claim amplified by far‑right ministers and framed as a political provocation.
• Flotilla organizers countered that vessels were documented with medical supplies and food, pointing to material gathered by journalists, rights observers and parliamentarians as evidence.
• Italian cities saw large protests, strikes and transport disruptions, with unions claiming up to two million participants and the government estimating about 400,000; most marches were peaceful, though some clashes were reported, and a major rally in Rome is planned today.
• Italy’s political fight intensified as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the mission as irresponsible, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned of consequences for unlawful actions during strikes and said taxpayers should not cover return costs, and debate broadened to the legality of Israel’s naval blockade.