Meloni Warns Gaza Flotilla Could Derail Ceasefire
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned the Gaza-bound flotilla risks escalating tensions and could “blow up” a potential ceasefire deal. Activists say nearly 50 vessels carrying roughly 500 people — including Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela — entered a self-described “danger zone” on Oct. 1 en route to Gaza with symbolic aid, reporting that Israeli warships circled two boats and jammed onboard communications as officials warned an interception was likely.
International
War & Conflict
US Politics
🔍 Key Facts
- On Oct. 1, 2025, activists said their flotilla was sailing in international waters north of Egypt and entered what they called a 'danger zone'.
- The flotilla comprises nearly 50 vessels and roughly 500 activists, includes prominent participants such as Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, and is carrying a symbolic amount of aid.
- Activists said they expected to reach Gaza by Thursday if undisturbed but anticipated an Israeli interception.
- According to activists, two Israeli warships approached overnight, circled two flotilla boats (the Alma and the Sirius) and jammed onboard communications and live cameras.
- Flotilla spokespeople, including Thiago Ávila and Lisi Proença, provided direct on‑the‑record quotes to reporters.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made public statements regarding the flotilla.
📍 Contextual Background
- Under U.S. federal law, attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization is a criminal offense.
- As of 2025-09-29, the statutory maximum prison sentence for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is 15 years.
📰 Sources (2)
Flotilla activists approach Gaza and say they are ready for a possible Israeli interception
New information:
- Activists report they were sailing in international waters north of Egypt and entered what they call a 'danger zone' on Oct. 1, 2025.
- Two Israeli warships approached overnight, circled two flotilla boats (the Alma and the Sirius) and jammed onboard communications and live cameras, according to activists.
- The flotilla includes nearly 50 vessels and roughly 500 activists, with prominent participants (Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela) and is carrying a symbolic amount of aid; activists said they expected to reach Gaza by Thursday if undisturbed but anticipated interception.
- Direct on‑the‑record quotes from flotilla spokespeople (Thiago Ávila, Lisi Proença) and public statements from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are reported.