Gaza, at least 73 dead from IDF raids. Trump to Arab leaders: Israel will not annex West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu stated that "the embarrassing surrender to Palestinian terrorism by some leaders will in no way bind Israel," in reference to the recognition by some Western countries of the State of Palestine. "A Palestinian state will not be established, the PM promised as he prepares to fly to New York for the UN General Assembly, where the issue is expected to dominate the agenda of meetings with other leaders, including US President Donald Trump. The Times of Israel reports.

Delays of up to 60 minutes have been accumulated by trains as a result of this evening's Pro Pal demonstration in the Porta Susa railway station. The delays affect at least five Frecciarossa trains on the Turin-Milan line (which have been limited to the Stura station on the outskirts of the city) and a dozen regional trains. The occupation of the tracks by the demonstrators, who number several hundred, is continuing. There is no shortage of travellers complaining that their trains are not passing through.

Jean-Luc Melenchon with Italy against France on the Gaza-bound Flotilla attacked in the night. In a post on X, the leader of La France Insoumise writes: 'Italy protects the flotilla threatened by the army of genocide. What is France doing, with four parliamentarians on board, to break the blockade of Gaza? Who is Macron afraid of?" Then, in a second post, the leader of the radical left party, commenting on a statement by the French Foreign Ministry that recalls how the participants in the Sumud Flotilla had been warned of the risks, raises accusations against the government: "Minimum service in France. Going to Gaza is dangerous, great minds have discovered this. They advise against it. So they recommend not doing anything against the blockade. Just like them. The UN protests, Italy and Spain defend their citizens. France: nothing'.

Sanchez, 'ship will sail from Spain to protect Flotilla

"We have an absolute and total discrepancy with the response that the Israeli government is giving to the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, it is clear", but "we want to preserve the diplomatic relations between our two countries that far exceed those between the two governments, this is our ambition", Prime Minister Sanchez also explained, responding to reporters' questions. However, the Iberian government president added that he did not know 'what may happen in the coming hours, in the coming weeks'. "We are concerned about the accusations that the government of Israel is pouring on the members of the Flotilla from 45 countries, who are now arriving at the shores of Gaza," Sanchez acknowledged. "That is why we will send a ship to ensure, if necessary, that we can rescue" the Spaniards on board the expedition, "to ensure that they can return to Spain".

"We have another proposal for the Hamas-Sumud flotilla: if it is not about provocation and serving Hamas, you are free to unload any aid in your possession at any port in a neighbouring country, outside Israel, from which it can be transferred peacefully to Gaza. Israel will not allow ships to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the violation of a legitimate naval blockade. Is this aid or provocation?". The Israeli Foreign Ministry writes this on X.

"We are confident, and I would even say optimistic, that in the next few days we will be able to announce some kind of breakthrough". This was said by White House envoy Steve Witkoff, speaking about the war in Gaza during the Concordia summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

At least 20 people were injured today after a Yemen-launched drone struck a hotel in the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat, on the border with Jordan and Egypt, Israel's national ambulance service Magen David Adom said.

Two people were reportedly seriously injured while others suffered medium to light injuries.

Spanish government president Pedro Sanchez announced that "tomorrow a ship will set sail from Cartagena" in southern Spain "with the aim of protecting" the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is heading to Gaza with humanitarian aid, after attacks reported by activists. The announcement was made by Sanchez at a press conference in New York, before attending the UN General Assembly on Israel's conflict in Gaza. The premier, filmed by Tve broadcaster, explained that it is the maritime action ship 'Furor', a deep-sea coastguard that will sail to 'bring aid to the Flotilla in case it is needed'.

Demonstrators on the tracks at Porta Susa in Turin, with the station blocked, after the presidium in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla and Gaza turned into a procession: the number of participants has increased considerably, with an estimated 4,000 people. At this moment, activists are on the tracks with two banners and have blocked a regional train.

After tonight's drone attacks, the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its navigation. Emergency, which with the Life Support, its search and rescue ship, is accompanying the flotilla in the role of observer ship and medical and logistical support, detected the presence of a military aircraft flying low over the area of sea where both the Life Support and the Global Sumud Flotilla were sailing. From the numbers and insignia on the outer nacelle, it could be an Israeli aircraft.

The aid transported by the Flotilla to be delivered to the parishes of the Latin Patriarchate in Cyprus, from there to be transferred to the port of Ashdod in Israel and then, through a corridor opened by the Misericordie, to be delivered to Gaza. This is the hypothesis on which the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has acted to give feasibility to the mediation that Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is working on in order to have the aid from the Global Sumud Flotilla delivered to Cyprus. This was learned by ANSA from qualified sources.

The plan for peace in Gaza presented by Donald Trump was welcomed by Arab leaders who met with him yesterday. This was reported by Axios citing sources, according to which the American president presented his plan because, with each passing day, Israel is more and more internationally isolated. Trump's plan calls for the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, Israel's gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and a Hamas-free Gaza governing mechanism. Also envisaged are a security force that includes Palestinians but also Arab soldiers and soldiers from other countries, Arab funding for the new administration in Gaza and for reconstruction, and some involvement of the Palestinian Authority.

Approximately 700,000 Palestinians have so far left Gaza City for the south of the Gaza Strip. This is estimated by the IDF, according to which around one million Palestinians lived in Gaza City before the Israeli military launched a major offensive against Hamas in the main city of the Palestinian enclave.

"I want to reiterate from this podium that freedom of navigation, under international law, must be respected. This is of paramount importance. Therefore, no attacks, no drone attacks, no seizure or any other use of force against the flotilla is acceptable." This was said by EU Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova responding to a question about drone attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla during the regular midday briefing.

'We respect the humanitarian commitment of the people on board the flotilla and understand,' Hrncirova continued, 'that everyone has the right to exercise that commitment. This is freedom of association and is a fundamental pillar of our democracy. We fully understand that the people on the flotilla, given the situation in Gaza, want to raise awareness, want to draw attention to this issue and want to show that the situation in Gaza is unsustainable. So we basically share their commitment, but we are also aware and concerned about the risks they are taking," the Commission spokeswoman added.

The EU Greens called for a plenary debate in the European Parliament next week on the attacks on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. "It is deeply regrettable that civil society has to intervene where the EU and its member states have failed and that volunteers have to risk their lives to compensate for the failings of politicians. Last night's attacks are completely unacceptable. This intimidation will not dampen the determination of the volunteers and the whole world to help the people of Gaza,' emphasised Greens co-chairs Bas Eickhout and Terry Reintke in announcing the call.

The European Commission has allocated an additional EUR 50 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and to meet the growing humanitarian needs in the West Bank, reads the note issued a few minutes ago by Brussels. The humanitarian aid promoted by the European Union from 2023, the press release goes on to say, now amounts to 'EUR 550 million', of which 'EUR 220 million in 2025'.

"Since October 2023, the EU has organised 77 humanitarian Airbridge flights and dispatched 5,037 tonnes of relief supplies, including medicines, medical supplies, shelters, water and sanitation and educational materials on behalf of humanitarian partners, EU Member States and the EU's own stockpiles," the statement continues. "From 2024," the Commission states, "the EU Civil Protection Mechanism will also coordinate medical evacuations of 306 patients across Europe.

President Donald Trump promised Arab leaders at a meeting yesterday that he will not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank. At least six people with knowledge of the discussion report this, writes Politico. Two of these people,' the American newspaper continues, 'said that Trump was firm on the subject and that the president promised that Israel would not be allowed to annex the West Bank, which is governed by the Palestinian National Authority and not Hamas.

The briefing in the Senate Chamber by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on the attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the evolution of the situation on the European eastern front will take place tomorrow, Thursday 25 September, 'approximately' from 10.30am. This was announced by the Vice-President on duty of the Assembly of Palazzo Madama, Licia Ronzulli (FI). The session will begin at 9.30 a.m. and will be devoted to the examination of the 'Terra dei fuochi' decree. After Minister Crosetto's speech, the groups will be allowed to speak for five minutes each. At the end of the debate, examination of the 'Terra dei fuochi' decree will resume. Confirmed at 3 p.m. will be the question time with the presence of the ministers for the Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, for Culture, Alessandro Giuli, and for Health, Orazio Schillaci.

A US plan for Gaza is to be announced today. Al Arabiya reports this, citing its own sources. According to the Saudi broadcaster, 'the plan calls for an end to the war and the release of Israeli hostages seized by Hamas and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza'. US President Donald Trump had met yesterday with several leaders of Islamic and Arab countries to promote peaceful and stable solutions in the region. And Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had spoken of a "very productive and positive" meeting on the Gaza situation.

At least 73 people have been killed since dawn today in Israeli air strikes and shelling in the Gaza Strip, according to a new toll from the Palestinian news agency Wafa, citing medical sources. According to the news agency, 65,419 people, mostly women and children, have been killed and 167,160 injured in the Palestinian enclave since 7 October.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani - according to Farnesina sources - is working on a mediation with the government of Israel to allow the humanitarian goods transported by the Flotilla to enter Gaza. The minister - the sources report - is in contact with the Israeli government and has identified a credible mediation mechanism. The Italian government is examining all options to avoid new offensive actions against the Flotilla boats.

"Our frigate, together with those around the world, should violate the blockade and guarantee the arrival of aid to Gaza itself. Because there is not a war, there is a genocide and governments must take a stand'. This was said by Nicola Fratoianni on Tagadà on La7, commenting on the arrival of the Italian military ship to guarantee aid in international waters for the Italians on board the Flotilla.

Vatican and Bishops' Conference pressing for two-state solution with Pope Leo warning: 'Recognition of the Palestinian state helps the people's cause but there is a lack of willingness to listen, the dialogue is broken at the moment'. While the leaders of the world are gathered at the UN General Assembly in New York, Pope Leo returns to call for a ceasefire, recalls that the Holy See has already "for years" recognised Palestine and this morning from the general audience in St. Peter's Square launches a prayer initiative: for the entire month of October a rosary for peace is prayed. He himself, on the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council as well as the memory of Saint John XXIII (the Pope of the encyclical Pacem in Terris and of the radio message imploring the leaders of the USA and USSR to "save peace" at the height of the Cuban missile crisis), will be in St. Peter's Square to join in the recitation.

Meanwhile, from Gorizia, where they concluded three days of work by the Bishops' Council, the Italian bishops, while once again distancing themselves from the definition of 'genocide', launch a new appeal addressing the government directly and making their own the reasons of the squares that mobilised in Italy last Monday. "We strongly demand that all forms of unacceptable violence against an entire people cease in Gaza and that the hostages be freed," they say in the note to Note 'Let there be peace in the Holy Land! International humanitarian law must be respected, and an end must be put to the forced exile of the Palestinian population, attacked by the Israeli army's offensive and pressurised by Hamas. We reiterate that the perspective of 'two peoples, two states' remains the way to a viable future. For this reason, we urge the Italian government and the European institutions to do everything possible to end the ongoing hostilities and we join the appeals of civil society'.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in particular the Crisis Unit and the minister's cabinet, were the object of a 'mail bombing' triggered by a social centre after the attack against the boats of the 'Flotilla' to Gaza. The attack, which consisted of sending thousands of fake e-mails, had the effect, among other things, of hindering the work of the Crisis Unit, which is currently in contact with the Italian citizens who are on board the Flotilla boats proceeding to Gaza, the Farnesina accused in a note. The Flotilla has been subjected to offensive and intimidating actions. The judicial authority was informed by the provincial command of the Carabinieri of the 'mail bombing' action against the Farnesina.

UN calls for investigation into attacks on Gaza aid flotilla

The CGIL condemns "the umpteenth and extremely serious attacks that took place last night against the Global Sumud Flotilla" and calls on the government "to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all the people on board the boats and to ensure that the humanitarian mission is carried out". "We will be at the presidium scheduled for today at Montecitorio, at 2pm," the union announces, "and we invite all our structures and workers to actively participate in the solidarity initiatives planned in the country. In case of further attacks, blockades or seizures of vessels or materials, the CGIL therefore says it is ready "to proclaim a general strike with the necessary timeliness".

"We strongly demand that in Gaza all forms of unacceptable violence against an entire people cease and that the hostages be released. International humanitarian law must be respected, and an end must be put to the forced exile of the Palestinian population, which has been attacked by the Israeli army's offensive and pressurised by Hamas. We reiterate that the perspective of 'two peoples, two states' remains the way to a viable future. For this reason, we urge the Italian government and European institutions to do everything possible to bring an end to the ongoing hostilities and we join the appeals of civil society'. Thus the Note "Let there be peace in the Holy Land!" approved by the Permanent Episcopal Council at the end of the work of the autumn session in Gorizia. "For this reason, in the coming days," announced the Italian Bishops' Conference, "the Secretary General, Msgr. Giuseppe Baturi, will travel to Jerusalem to express solidarity with the Church of the Holy Land, to verify the possibility of increasing humanitarian aid and to realise, as has already happened with some regional Bishops' Conferences, an upcoming fraternal visit by representatives of the Italian Episcopate".

An Israeli military drone crashed yesterday inside the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, Unifil reported on social media. "The incident caused no injuries," Unifil says, claiming that the sappers "neutralised the device", which was found to be unarmed but only equipped with a camera. The Israeli army, writes Times of Israel, confirmed to Unifil that the drone belonged to them. Unifil states that 'this constitutes a violation of resolution 1701 and Lebanese sovereignty'.

The European Commission "shares the commitment" of the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to the Gaza Strip, but is "concerned" about the "risks" faced by activists. This was said by EU executive spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova, during a press briefing in Brussels. For Hrncirova, "freedom of navigation, according to international law, must be respected. This is of paramount importance: therefore no attack, no drone strike, no seizure or any use of force against the Flotilla is acceptable. We respect the humanitarian commitment of the people on board the Flotilla and understand that everyone has the right to exercise this activism'. It is about 'freedom of assembly', which is 'a fundamental pillar of our democracy. We fully understand that the people on the Flotilla, given the situation in Gaza, want to raise awareness, want to highlight this issue and want to show that the situation in Gaza is unbearable. So basically, we share their commitment, but we are also aware and concerned about the risks they are taking,' the spokeswoman concludes.

Italy has decided to send a Navy ship to rescue the Flotilla. "To guarantee assistance to the Italian citizens on the Flotilla," Defence Minister Guido Crosetto clarified in a note, "tonight I authorised the immediate intervention of the Navy's multirole frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Mare Sicuro. The frigate is already heading towards the area for possible rescue activities'. The minister explained that he assessed the decision in consultation with the Prime Minister. And he specified: 'The Israeli military attaché in Italy, our ambassador and the military attaché in Tel Aviv and the Farnesina crisis unit have been informed'.

"With regard to the attack suffered in the past few hours by the Sumud Flotilla boats, on board of which there are also Italian citizens, conducted through the use of drones by perpetrators who are as yet unidentified, we can only express our strongest condemnation. In a democracy, even demonstrations and forms of protest must be protected when they take place in accordance with the rules of international law and without resorting to violence.

In order to guarantee assistance to the Italian citizens present on the "Flotilla", this night at 03.50, although I was in Estonia, after a discussion with the Chief of Defence Staff, and after conducting a (quick and summary) assessment of the incident, I spoke with the President of the Council and authorised the immediate intervention of the Navy's multirole frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete, as part of Operation Mare Sicuro, and was already heading towards the area for possible rescue activities.

Explosions continue to be heard near the Catholic parish in Gaza. This is evidenced by a video posted this morning by the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. The images show the parish priest praying with two little girls and a nun.

"Having listened to the requests made by the oppositions in the House, the presidency of the Chamber immediately took action with the Prime Minister's Office and the Minister for Relations with Parliament. The government gave immediate availability for Minister Crosetto - today in Latvia - to come and report tomorrow morning in the Chamber". This was announced by the President of Montecitorio, Giorgio Mulè, when he reopened the Chamber's work and after having communicated the news "through a brief procedure" to the group leaders. 'We will define the work calendar,' Mulè concluded, 'in the group leader's meeting anticipated at the end of the morning session.

At least 51 Palestinians were killed in attacks launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of the day. This was reported by al Jazeera, citing health sources, according to which at least 36 people died in Gaza City while eight others were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid near Rafah, in the south of the enclave.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is holding talks with several countries, including Saudi Arabia and France, to create an economic safety net in response to growing Israeli threats of measures that could lead to the collapse of the PNA. Palestinian sources told Haaretz, adding that the issue should be discussed tomorrow at a donor conference in New York. To date, according to Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa, Israel has blocked more than $3 billion in PNA tax revenues.

"If, after what is described as a 'diplomatic tsunami' in favour of the Palestinians, the Israeli government pushes the NPC into economic and administrative collapse, what is the significance of the recognition of a Palestinian state?" a senior NPC official remarked, adding: "Support must be translated into concrete measures, first and foremost the immediate prevention of collapse.

The Republic of San Marino "officially recognises the State of Palestine as a sovereign and independent State, within internationally recognised borders and in compliance with United Nations resolutions". The Congress of State, in today's session, approved the resolution, as reported by the San Marino State broadcaster. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Luca Beccari, stressed how the recognition represents the unanimous will of the San Marino institutions and community: "With this clear position, San Marino reaffirms and further concretises the active neutrality that has always distinguished our foreign policy. We are a State that is present, attentive and not indifferent to the current geopolitical scenarios'. The Congress of State also instructed Beccari to officially communicate the decision to the international community at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, currently underway in New York. His speech is scheduled for Saturday, to be followed by the transmission of the communication to the relevant Palestinian authorities.

33 Palestinians, including 28 in the city of Gaza, have been killed in Israeli shelling and raids since dawn. Wafa reports. A raid killed 20 civilians in the raid on warehouses owned by the Gaza municipality that housed displaced people near the city's Firas market. Artillery shelling continues, Wafa writes, in the eastern, southern and northwestern areas of Gaza City, while drones fly intensively over the city.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, chairing a UN Security Council meeting, reaffirmed that the 'two-state solution' is the only way to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This was reported today by the Yonhap news agency.

Cho spoke during a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on the Middle East, held on the sidelines of the General Assembly in New York, as a group of key US allies, including the United Kingdom and France, announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

At least 29 Palestinians have been killed in air strikes on the Gaza Strip since the early hours of this morning. The toll is reported to al-Jazeera satellite TV by medical sources in the Palestinian enclave where Israeli military operations continue. According to a source at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, at least 17 people were killed near a market in the centre of Gaza City.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the meeting on Gaza between US President Donald Trump and leaders of Muslim countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly was 'very fruitful'. This was reported by the international media. Speaking to reporters in New York after the meeting, Erdogan said that a joint statement of the meeting would be issued and that he was 'satisfied' with the results of the meeting, but gave no further details.

The G7 foreign ministers stressed "the urgency of alleviating the immense suffering of civilians in Gaza through a wave of humanitarian aid and securing the release of hostages" and reiterated "the call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas". This is what is stated in a note, in which it is pointed out that "Hamas can have no role in the future of Gaza and must never again pose a threat to Israel".

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, on a mission to New York for the UN General Assembly, was informed of the attack on the boats of the 'Flotilla' to Gaza that are sailing at the lake on the island of Crete. This is what the Farnesina announced in a note. "The 'Flotilla' is sailing in international waters and also has Italian citizens on board, along with parliamentarians and MEPs," it reads, "for their safety, the Farnesina had already alerted the Israeli authorities so that any operation that might be entrusted to the Jerusalem-bound forces would be conducted in compliance with international law and a principle of absolute caution. Minister Tajani asked the embassy in Tel Aviv to obtain information and to renew the request already made to the Jerusalem government to guarantee the absolute protection of the embarked personnel'.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported "explosions, unidentified drones and interference in communications" while sailing to the Gaza Strip. "We are witnessing first-hand these psychological operations, but we will not be intimidated," reads the Flotilla's social channels, where a video of one of the explosions was also posted.

"Any attempt to intimidate us only strengthens our commitment. We will not be silenced. We will continue to sail."