Khaberni - Italian parliamentarians have submitted a memorandum to the Attorney General due to the kidnapping by Israel of activists who were aboard the global Fleet of Steadfastness, while 10 ships from the Freedom Fleet continue their voyage to break the siege on Gaza in a new wave of solidarity with the sector.
The fleet's ships were about 470 miles away from Gaza until yesterday, Friday, while a ship named "Al Damir" joined after departing from the Italian port of Otranto a few days ago, carrying about 120 people, most of them workers in health and media fields.
Italian parliamentarians, who were aboard the Fleet of Steadfastness before being deported by the Israeli authorities, confirmed that what happened to the fleet's activists in international waters by Israel constitutes kidnapping, not an arrest.
During a press conference, they pointed out that Israel's action represents a blatant violation of international law and maritime laws, and clarified that they have submitted a memorandum to the Attorney General in Rome regarding this matter.
The parliamentarians also emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable and to release all activists detained in Israeli prisons.
Ongoing Deportation
Today, Saturday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that about 137 activists detained by Israel for participating in the global Fleet of Steadfastness are on their way to Istanbul by air.
Sources in the ministry mentioned that among these are 36 Turks, in addition to citizens from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan.
The first group of Italians involved in the fleet, four members of parliament, arrived in Rome yesterday, Friday.
Italian Deputy Arturo Scotto, who participated in the mission, said at a press conference in Rome, "Those who acted legally were those on board those boats, while those who acted illegally are those who prevented their arrival in Gaza."
Italian parliamentarian Benedetta Scuderi, who participated in the fleet, said, "We were brutally stopped.. and brutally taken hostage." Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry - on the "X" site - claimed that all the detained activists are "safe and in good health"
The fleet, which set sail in late August, represents the latest attempt by activists to challenge the Israeli maritime blockade on Gaza, amidst ongoing attacks by Israeli officials on the fleet and describing it as a "publicity stunt."
The Israeli attack against the humanitarian fleet sparked popular protests and official condemnations observed in several countries, amid demands for the release of the detained activists and for holding Tel Aviv accountable for its crimes and violation of international law.
International organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the protection of the Fleet of Steadfastness, while the United Nations confirmed that the assault on it is unacceptable.
Israel has previously engaged in acts of piracy against ships heading towards Gaza, seizing them and deporting the activists on board.
