Tajani briefed on attack on Gaza Flotilla. Italy reiterates request to Israel to ensure safety of embarked personnel

Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, currently on mission in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, has been informed of the attack on vessels belonging to the Gaza-bound “Flotilla”, currently navigating near the island of Crete. The Flotilla is sailing in international waters and includes on board Italian citizens, as well as members of national and European parliaments. In order to ensure their safety, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already issued warnings to the Israeli authorities, requesting that any operation potentially carried out by Israeli armed forces be conducted in full compliance with international law and with the utmost caution. Minister Tajani has instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to gather further information and to reiterate Italy’s request to the Israeli Government to guarantee the full protection of all embarked personnel.