Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had asked Israel to ensure the safety of “Italian citizens, along with members of parliament and MEPs [Members of the European Parliament]” among the pro-Palestinian activists.

The ministry had already informed Israel that “any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Minister Tajani has asked the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and to reiterate its previous request to the Israeli government to guarantee the absolute protection of the personnel on board,” it added.