It emphasizes that "using existing humanitarian channels, not only those of the Italian government, would avoid exposing participants in the 'Global Sumud Flotilla' initiative to the risks of traveling to a crisis zone and the resulting burden on the various state authorities involved to ensure protection and security." It acknowledges that "the initiative may also have a symbolic or political purpose, and therefore intends to continue regardless of the above."
But Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assured that "the Italian government guarantees that all measures will be taken to protect and ensure the safety of our fellow citizens abroad in similar situations, as has always been the case."
The Prime Minister said this in a response to Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, who yesterday in a letter asked her how the government intends to protect the crew of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza to break Israel's naval blockade.