Italian PM Meloni Urges Gaza Flotilla to Halt to Protect Peace Prospects Amid Israeli Blockade

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes Greta Thunberg and other activists aiming to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza to deliver aid, to stop its mission to avoid jeopardizing US President Donald Trump's fragile peace plan for Gaza. Meloni warned that the flotilla's attempt could serve as a pretext to disrupt ongoing peace efforts and escalate conflict, urging acceptance of alternative proposals for aid delivery. Italy has announced that its naval frigate shadowing the flotilla will cease tracking the convoy once it approaches 150 nautical miles from Gaza, leaving the activists vulnerable to Israeli forces. Despite these warnings and Italy's call for compromise, the flotilla insists it will continue onward, rejecting offers to deliver aid via an Israeli or Cypriot port. The flotilla has faced attacks in international waters and anticipates possible interception by Israeli forces, who maintain the blockade as a legal measure against Hamas. The situation remains tense with international implications, as the peace plan supported by Israel and pushed by President Trump faces criticism and fragile acceptance among regional actors.