Italy condemns 'unlawful' Israeli interception of Gaza aid flotilla
International Response to Israeli Seizure of Gaza Aid Flotilla
Italy's Official Statement and Demands
ROME, April 30 (Reuters) - Italy condemns Israel's seizure of aid ships bound for Gaza and demands the immediate release of all Italians who have been "unlawfully detained," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said on Thursday.
Details of the Interception
Israel intercepted the vessels in international waters near Greece late on Wednesday, a move the organizers -- Global Sumud Flotilla -- called an act of piracy against boats carrying humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.
Joint European Reaction
Germany and Italy's Joint Statement
Separately, Germany and Italy's foreign ministries issued a joint statement saying they were following developments with "deep concern".
Call for International Law and Citizen Safety
The statement, which did not mention Israel by name, called for "full respect of international law" and avoidance of "irresponsible actions," adding that the two countries were committed to guaranteeing the safety of their citizens.
They did not say how many Italians or Germans had been detained.
Context of Italy-Israel Relations
Recent Criticism and Policy Changes
Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Israel's closest friends in Europe, but in recent weeks it has criticised its attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds and injured thousands.
Earlier this month, it suspended a defence cooperation deal with Israel on account of what was happening the Middle East.
Background on Gaza Blockade and Previous Flotillas
Israel's Position and Previous Incidents
Israel, which controls all access to the Gaza Strip, denies withholding supplies for the over 2 million residents and called those onboard the flotilla boats "attention-seeking agitators."
Israel's military had halted a previous flotilla assembled by the same organisation last October in an attempt to reach blockaded Gaza, arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 participants.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante and Sara Rossi, editing by Alvise Armellini and Gavin Jones)
