Italy Withdraws Naval Support for Gaza Flotilla Amid Concerns Over Israeli Actions

The Sumud flotilla, carrying international activists, is approaching the Gaza Strip, just hours away from the coastline. The flotilla consists of dozens of ships, carrying civilians, Italian parliamentarians, and members of the European Parliament. Israel had previously threatened to halt the flotilla, prompting Italy and Spain to dispatch naval vessels for surveillance and potential rescue operations, fearing an Israeli attack. However, the Italian warship has now withdrawn. It appears that Italian Prime Minister Meloni is apprehensive of Netanyahu. The Italian Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that the Italian navy would cease shadowing the international flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The ministry stated the warship would halt its operations once the flotilla reaches within 150 nautical miles (278 km) of the coast.