Italy summons Israeli ambassador over ‘unacceptable’ treatment of flotilla activists
5/20/2026 3:54:03 PM
Italy’s government says the Israeli treatment of activists taking part in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla is unacceptable and that it will be summoning the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.
A statement by PM Giorgia Meloni and FM Antonio Tajani said Italy “demands an apology for the treatment” of the activists and the “total disrespect” for the Italian government’s requests.
According to the flotilla organisers, 30 Italian citizens were on board and subsequently abducted by Israel, with Italy’s Foreign Ministry saying they included a member of parliament and a journalist.
A statement by PM Giorgia Meloni and FM Antonio Tajani said Italy “demands an apology for the treatment” of the activists and the “total disrespect” for the Italian government’s requests.
According to the flotilla organisers, 30 Italian citizens were on board and subsequently abducted by Israel, with Italy’s Foreign Ministry saying they included a member of parliament and a journalist.