Rome, Sept. 24 (LaPresse) – “With regard to the attack that occurred in recent hours on the vessels of the Sumud Flotilla, on board of which there are also Italian citizens, carried out using drones by currently unidentified perpetrators, we can only express the strongest condemnation. In a democracy, even demonstrations and forms of protest must be protected when they are conducted in compliance with international law and without resorting to violence.”
This is what Defense Minister Guido Crosetto declared in a statement. “To ensure assistance to the Italian citizens on board the Flotilla, at 3:50 a.m. last night, although I was in Estonia, after a consultation with the Chief of Defense Staff and a quick preliminary assessment of the incident, I spoke with the Prime Minister and authorized the immediate intervention of the multi-role frigate Fasan of the Italian Navy, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Mare Sicuro. The vessel is already heading toward the area for potential rescue operations. The Israeli military attaché in Italy, our Ambassador and Military Attaché in Tel Aviv, and the Crisis Unit of the Foreign Ministry have all been informed of this decision.”