Italian Ministry of Defense Announces End to Escort of International Flotilla
The Italian Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that the Italian Navy will cease escorting the international "Soumoud" flotilla, which is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, once it reaches a distance of 150 nautical miles (278 kilometers) from the coast.
In a statement, the ministry specified that the Italian frigate will accompany the expedition up to this limit before withdrawing, "as we have already announced on several occasions in recent days."
The Italian Navy also indicated that two warnings will be issued to the activists on board the flotilla. The second and final warning is expected to be issued at 00:00 GMT, at the time when the convoy is scheduled to reach the designated zone.
Earlier in the day, the Italian spokesperson for the flotilla, Maria Elena Delia, had confirmed that the activists had been informed of the withdrawal of the warship, a decision aimed at avoiding "a diplomatic incident" with the Zionist entity.
