Gaza aid flotilla set to defy Israel as Italy urges compromise

Organisers of an international aid flotilla said on Friday they would press on with attempts to break an Israeli naval embargo on Gaza, despite pleas by Italy to accept a compromise proposal and not take further risks. The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of about 50 civilian boats, was hit on Wednesday by drones carrying stun grenades and itching powder in international waters 30 nautical miles (56km) off the Greek island of Gavdos. No one was injured, but vessels suffered some damage. The GSF blamed Israel, which did not respond to the accusation but said it would use any means to block the boats' access to Gaza. Italian President Sergio Mattarella urged the flotilla's organisers to accept a proposal to...