The disembarkation of the Flotilla activists in Ashdod has begun. Tajani to Minister Saar: they must leave as soon as possible; their rights and safety must be respected

In Israel, the first group of Flotilla activists has begun disembarking at the port of Ashdod. A second group is expected to arrive later in the day.

Officials from the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv are in contact with the Israeli authorities at the port of Ashdod to provide consular assistance to Italian nationals and facilitate their departure for Italy. The activists should be taken to a facility for identification and then allowed to leave.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani had several contacts during the night with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Tajani insisted that the Italian citizens, including a member of Parliament and a journalist, be released and allowed to leave as soon as possible, and that the safety and rights of every single activist be safeguarded.