Italy summons 'Israeli' ambassador over ‘unacceptable’ treatment of Flotilla activists
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Italy’s government said on Wednesday that 'Israel’s' treatment of activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was “unacceptable”, announcing it will summon the 'Israeli' ambassador for an explanation.
In a strongly worded statement, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy “demands an apology for the treatment” of the activists and condemned what it described as the “total disrespect” shown toward the Italian government’s requests.
Read more: ‘Israeli’ forces abuse detained Gaza flotilla activists under Ben-Gvir’s supervision
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X that footage involving Israeli minister Ben-Gvir showing the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists was “unacceptable,” calling for the immediate release of detained Italian citizens, demanding an apology, and announcing that Italy will summon the 'Israeli' ambassador for formal clarification.
Le immagini del ministro israeliano Ben Gvir sono inaccettabili. È inammissibile che questi manifestanti, fra cui molti cittadini italiani, vengano sottoposti a questo trattamento lesivo della dignità della persona.
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026
Il Governo italiano sta immediatamente compiendo, ai più alti…
The statement did not provide further details on the specific incidents that prompted the diplomatic move, but emphasized Rome’s concern over the handling of participants involved in the flotilla's attempt to deliver aid to Gaza.
According to the flotilla organisers, 30 Italian citizens were on board and subsequently abducted by 'Israel', with Italy’s Foreign Ministry saying they included a member of parliament and a journalist.
Italian authorities said the summons of the 'Israeli' ambassador would seek clarification over the treatment of those detained during the operation.
The diplomatic protest comes amid growing international scrutiny over 'Israel’s' interception of Gaza-bound flotilla vessels and the detention of activists aboard them.
