The Gaza-bound flotilla, which includes anti-Israel activists and notable figures such as Greta Thunberg, has elicited strong criticism from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meanwhile, Israel is closely observing the situation, concerned that it could jeopardize current peace negotiation efforts.
Meloni cautioned that the flotilla’s objective is to destabilize the Trump administration’s peace proposal. She asserted, “The truth is simple: those aids can be delivered without risks … Insisting on wanting to force a naval blockade means making oneself – knowingly or not – instruments of those who want to blow up every possibility of [a] ceasefire. Spare us the lesson in morality on peace if your goal is escalation. And do not exploit the civilian population of Gaza if you are not truly interested in their fate.”
The Trump administration has presented its 20-point plan as a route to both concluding the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of Israeli hostages; however, the flotilla risks shifting the focus back towards confrontation.
On X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated, “The flotilla to Gaza is not a humanitarian act, but a dangerous provocation intended to inflame tensions and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla defines itself as a “multinational civilian effort to break Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza,” claiming it is the largest attempt to date to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has now persisted for 18 years. Israel justifies the blockade as necessary to prevent Hamas from importing weapons.
The Sumud flotilla is now entering waters within Israel’s exclusive economic zone and is anticipated to reach Israeli waters with approximately 50 vessels and hundreds of anti-Israel activists aboard. According to Israel’s Channel 12 News, Jerusalem has deployed 600 police officers and naval units and has even established a special court at Ktzi’ot Prison to process detainees. Security officials have warned of potential provocations at sea, with a senior Israeli police officer commenting, “This is a sensitive and complex operation, and we are preparing for provocations.”
The flotilla has attracted international attention not only due to Thunberg’s involvement but also because of its European and regional connections. The fleet departed from Barcelona, with activists reportedly supported by groups in , which Jerusalem claims are linked to Hamas operative Saif Abu Kashk, who allegedly manages a front company that Israeli intelligence suggests controls many of the ships.
Concurrently, Turkey has reported that it is monitoring the flotilla with drones, and Ankara has indicated it may offer further assistance “on humanitarian grounds.” Turkey has faced accusations of providing sanctuary to Hamas members within its borders.
For Israel, observers suggest the challenge lies in preventing activists from reaching Gaza while simultaneously avoiding an international incident that could benefit Hamas. As Trump endeavors to finalize a deal, the impending confrontation at sea risks diverting headlines away from diplomatic progress and back towards conflict.
On Tuesday, Israel released documents allegedly connecting the flotilla’s organizers to Hamas through the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA). This organization, established in Turkey in 2017, has been designated a by Israel and is accused of serving as Hamas’s overseas arm.