ROME

Aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, Arturo Scotto, an Italian member of parliament in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Italian Parliament, said the fleet is now 100 nautical miles from Gaza and criticized his government for a lack of diplomatic support.

Scotto, from the main opposition Democratic Party (PD), spoke in a video message sent to Anadolu from one of the Italian vessels participating in the fleet.

Emphasizing the significance of the voyage, he said: “We are now 100 miles from Gaza. Honestly, given the challenges the fleet has faced, I never considered this outcome guaranteed. At the same time, I feel proud, because despite drone attacks and obstacles along the way, we have managed to reach this point.”

He also expressed frustration with the Italian government’s stance, saying: “There is some anger too. We are almost there, and I had expected diplomatic efforts from governments—especially my own—to help open a humanitarian corridor. Unfortunately, that has not happened, and sadly, it will mean more hunger and suffering for the Palestinian people.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian mission carrying aid to Gaza, aiming to challenge the Israeli blockade and draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in the enclave. It involves ships from multiple countries, and includes activists, politicians, and volunteers.