Italy issues warning to Israel as dozens of citizens join Gaza flotilla

 Italy has called on Israel to respect the rights of its citizens involved in an activist flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, after a vessel was reportedly attacked with incendiary devices in Tunisian waters.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament on Thursday that Italy would monitor the flotilla and provide consular and diplomatic assistance to the 58 Italian nationals taking part, including politicians.

Italy has called on Israel to respect the rights of its citizens involved in an activist flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, after a vessel was reportedly attacked with incendiary devices in Tunisian waters.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament on Thursday that Italy would monitor the flotilla and provide consular and diplomatic assistance to the 58 Italian nationals taking part, including politicians.

Mr Tajani said: "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.

“I also called Foreign Minister (Gideon) Saar to personally make him aware of the matter."

His remarks came just hours before other flotilla boats were due to set sail from Siracusa, Sicily.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported on Wednesday that one of its boats, docked in Tunisian waters, was attacked by a drone with incendiary devices for a second consecutive night.

CCTV footage from the British-flagged 'Alma' showed crew shouting “fire” as flaming projectiles landed on deck, exploding and causing a blaze. No injuries were reported.

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 motherships 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 in a statement that 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.

Israel has previously dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts, saying a blockade is necessary to prevent smuggling, particularly of weapons.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.