Italy's Meloni Criticizes Gaza Flotilla, Warns Risk to Trump Peace Plan

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly criticized the Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational convoy attempting to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza, warning that the flotilla risks undermining U.S. President Donald Trump's fragile peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. Meloni described the flotilla's mission as potentially escalating violence rather than helping Palestinians, and cautioned that forcing the naval blockade could make activists unwitting instruments of those seeking to derail ceasefire efforts. She highlighted Italy's significant humanitarian contributions to Palestinian civilians, including evacuations and aid deliveries, contrasting this with the flotilla's approach. Meloni also condemned the decision by Italian trade unions to call a general strike in support of the flotilla, suggesting it would inconvenience Italians without benefiting Palestinians. Israeli authorities have linked the flotilla's organizers to Hamas, framing the convoy as a provocation rather than a purely humanitarian effort, while Israeli officials emphasize the blockade's role in preventing arms smuggling. The flotilla's presence, involving activists and celebrities like Greta Thunberg, has heightened regional tensions, with Turkey monitoring the situation and Israel preparing security measures to prevent the vessels from reaching Gaza waters.