The Foreign Ministry’s official website stated that Tajani demanded an investigation by Israeli authorities into their military actions against the civilian vessels that departed four days ago from Sicily, Italy, carrying humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

The Italian foreign minister stressed the need to clarify the details of the ongoing Israeli operation to allow the Italian government to take the necessary measures to protect Italian citizens aboard the 58 ships of the flotilla, at least 22 of which were seized in international waters.

The Sumud Flotilla’s statement noted, “Israel’s actions tonight represent a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, following the abduction of civilians in the middle of the Mediterranean, more than 960 kilometers from Gaza, before the eyes of the entire world.”

The text added, “The governments must act immediately to protect the Flotilla and hold Israel accountable for these flagrant violations of international law and the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.”

Israel confirmed the arrest of some 175 activists out of nearly 400 participating in the initiative. It aims to deliver medical and food aid to the population of Gaza, which is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, Sky TG24 news television website reported.

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