Statement by President Meloni

The peace plan for the Middle East proposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has finally opened up hope for an agreement to bring an end to the war and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and to stabilise the region. This hope rests on a fragile balance, which many would be happy to ruin. I fear that the Flotilla's attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade may provide a pretext.

This is also why I believe that the Flotilla should stop now and accept one of the several proposals that have been put forward for safe delivery of the aid. Any other choice risks turning into a pretext to prevent peace, fuel the conflict and thereby harm above all the very population of Gaza for whom relief is claimed to be intended. It is time to be serious and responsible.

[Courtesy translation]