Journalist expelled from Global Sumud Flotilla

Francesca Del Vecchio, Italian journalist aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, was expelled from the ship after being accused of sharing sensitive information, Italian media reported.

Italian newspaper Ansa reported that Maria Elena Delia, the spokeswoman for the flotilla's Italian section, said that Del Vecchio was expelled after disclosing the boats’ training locations despite clear instructions to keep them secret, with organizers citing a “loss of trust” and the need to protect the security of all passengers on the high-risk Gaza aid mission.

La Stampa, the newspaper where Del Vecchio works, condemned the removal, saying it undermines the values of a free press, while not providing any details about the sensitive information the journalist was accused of sharing.

Del Vecchio joined the flotilla to document the expedition towards Gaza and joined as an observer in early August, arriving in Catania where participants trained and were asked to hand over their phones for security reasons.

She explained that during the training, she noticed that external journalists were allowed to use cameras, after which she asked if she could report.

The journalist said she was given the greenlight as long as she “didn’t go into details.”

A few days later, however, Del Vecchio was removed from all group chats and contacted by a board member of the flotilla, expelling her for sharing sensitive information. 

Read more: Tunisia says Gaza aid flotilla targeted by “premeditated attack”

While Del Vecchio managed to talk with a spokesperson to explain “the demands of the profession,” she claimed that an activist told her: “We can’t trust you, you’re a dangerous journalist.” 

The case sparked political reactions, including one from Italian Minister for Public Administration Paolo Zangrillo.

“Freedom of the press is a right enshrined in our Constitution. It is not to be touched,” Zangrillo said. “I express my sincere solidarity with the journalist from La Stampa, Francesca Del Vecchio, expelled from the flotilla simply for doing her job: reporting the truth.”

La libertà di stampa è un diritto sancito dalla nostra Costituzione. Non si tocca.
Esprimo la mia sincera solidarietà alla giornalista de La Stampa Francesca Del Vecchio, cacciata dalla Flotilla solo perché faceva il suo lavoro: raccontare la verità.

— Paolo Zangrillo (@Paolo_Zangrillo) September 12, 2025

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also posted about the matter, condemning it for violating freedom of the press. 

“I remember my days as a correspondent in war zones," he wrote on X. “This is why I understand the bitterness of Francesca Del Vecchio, the journalist expelled from the Flotilla, with whom I extend my solidarity. This was a terrible episode of censorship that violates the principle of freedom of the press, a cornerstone of our democratic system.” 

Tajani called the Global Sumud Flotilla a "noble and courageous” initiative, but criticized it for contradicting its own values by expelling Del Vecchio.

Ricordo le mie giornate da inviato nelle zone di guerra. Un lavoro appassionante, ma non facile quello del giornalista in teatri ostili. Ma sempre con la voglia di raccontare la verità che vedevo con i miei occhi. Per questo comprendo l’amarezza di Francesca Del Vecchio, la… pic.twitter.com/uVraJ0atIm

— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) September 12, 2025