Italy Withdraws Naval Escort from 40-Ship Gaza Aid Flotilla Near Blockade

Italy's navy will withdraw its escort of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a large humanitarian convoy including activists like Greta Thunberg, once it approaches 150 nautical miles from Gaza, citing the need to avoid a diplomatic incident with Israel. The flotilla aims to break Israel's naval blockade to deliver essential aid amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, but Italy's withdrawal leaves the convoy exposed to potential Israeli interception. Organizers accuse Italy of sabotaging the mission, describing the naval pullback as "cowardice dressed up as diplomacy" and vow to continue despite the loss of protection. Italy insists the withdrawal is a safety measure to avoid risking lives in a designated high-risk zone and offers participants the option to disembark before reaching this boundary. The flotilla, carrying parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists from 40 countries, has faced drone attacks in international waters and is prepared to face Israeli attempts to stop it. Israeli officials consider the blockade a legal security measure to prevent weapons smuggling amid the war, while the flotilla campaigns for a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.