Mattarella's appeal: the Flotilla accepts Patriarch Pizzaballa's offer

An exceptional initiative that breaks the mould of party oppositions and aims at the core: safeguarding the lives of those who are sailing towards Gaza and really getting aid through the channels offered by Cardinal Pizzaballa. Motivated by these reasons, Mattarella decided to write an appeal to the Flotilla - in Italian and English - having followed the affair with concern and having been updated by multiple direct and indirect contacts with Zuppi's Cei and naturally with the government. In particular, yesterday there was a telephone conversation with Meloni during which the potential serious risks were discussed and how attempts at mediation had failed. So Mattarella decided to expose the first office of State to an extreme appeal that was, however, immediately rejected.

Here are his words: "I would like to make a particularly strong appeal to the women and men of the Flotilla to accept the willingness offered by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem - which is also firmly and courageously committed to the people of Gaza - to carry out the task of safely delivering what solidarity has destined for the children, women and men of Gaza". An offer to deliver aid to Cyprus that - as they said - was not accepted by the Flotilla with these few lines: "We share the appeal but we do not accept this proposal because it comes to prevent our boats from sailing in international waters with the risk of being attacked". But then it is known that spokeswoman Delia initiates an interlocution with the institutions (see article below).

It is worth noting the arguments used by Mattarella in his message, starting with the 'value of life that seems to have lost all meaning in Gaza and, therefore, requires the avoidance of any risk to the safety of any person'. And then, in clear terms, there is the recognition of the 'value of the initiative taken that has expressed itself with wide resonance and significance' but to safeguard its outcome, Mattarella insists, 'it appears necessary to preserve the objective of getting the aid collected to the suffering population'. In fact, the substance and tone of his words appear very different, there is no trace of accusations of irresponsibility - as has been heard from the government - but rather there is recognition of the humanitarian value of the enterprise that should be brought to fruition.

Mattarella's push was accepted across the board by all the political forces, from Fi to Lega to Pd and Conte. But, first of all, the Prime Minister spoke: 'I address my thanks to the opposition who, picking up on Mattarella's wise words - to whom we are grateful - have invited the Flotilla activists to accept alternative solutions and, in particular, to deliver aid to Cyprus, to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem'. Thanks came after the Pd supported the Quirinal's offer and even Conte asked the Flotilla for "an additional reflection" adding that the 5 Stars will still be at their side. And there is also a square alarm that Piantedosi speaks of: "There was the secretary of a large trade union (CGIL, ed.) who said that if anything happens to the Flotilla, a strike will be triggered".