Italy tells Israel to respect rights of Italian activists on Gaza flotilla after boat attack

ROME (AP) – Italy has told Israel to respect the rights of Italian activists taking part in a flotilla that is seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, after a boat was attacked with incendiary devices in Tunisian waters.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament on Thursday that Italy would be monitoring the flotilla and providing consular and diplomatic assistance to the 58 Italians taking part, including some lawmakers.

“Our embassy in Tel Aviv, under my instruction, talked to the Israeli authorities about the respect of the rights for all the fellow citizens who are part of the flotilla, including among them several members of parliament,” Tajani said. “I also called Foreign Minister (Gideon) Saar to personally make him aware of the matter.”

Tajani spoke hours before other boats participating in the flotilla were due to set sail from Siracusa, in Sicily. About 600 people in all were sailing from Italy, Greece and Spain.

“We, the civilian population who risk our lives for a sense of humanity, are being labeled as criminals,” said Benedetta Scuderi, a European parliamentarian from Italy’s Greens and Left Alliance, who is among those taking part. “This is unacceptable and we ask the government of Giorgia Meloni and the European institutions for full diplomatic protection.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla said Wednesday that it was attacked with incendiary devices for a second night in a row when a drone targeted one of its boats that was docked in Tunisian waters.

The group shared CCTV footage showing people on board the British-flagged “Alma” shouting “fire” and pointing to the sky. Projectiles on fire fell on the deck, exploding and setting off a blaze. No one was injured.

The attack appeared similar to the one the night before on the Portuguese-flagged “Family” vessel.

Tajani said the ministry was closely following the flotilla’s progress and staying “in close contact” with the Italian spokesperson of the group.

Flotilla participants have reported seeing drones in the moments preceding the attacks and other moments during the journey from Barcelona.

Both the Alma and Family were mother ships of the mission, providing support and provisions to smaller vessels and carrying the most high-profile members of the flotilla, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

Tunisia’s Interior Ministry described Wednesday’s attack as a ”premeditated act″ and said an investigation was underway into who was behind it. It did not elaborate.

While falling short of providing concrete evidence, some activists blamed Israel, which has in the past intercepted other activist boats seeking to reach Gaza by sea.

Israel has not responded to the accusations. It has previously dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts, saying a blockade is necessary to prevent smuggling, particularly of weapons.