The Italian Government have vowed not to back down until fellow EU nations commit to taking in some of the 150 migrants stranded off the Italian coast.
In what could become a highly intense stand-off, the Italian government seemed to be unmoved by the latest developments which have seen the stranded migrants go on hunger strike.
Although the Government initially allowed thirteen young children and twenty seven teenagers to disembark from the Dicotti coast guard vessel, they have further reiterated that they will not take in any more unit an agreement is reached with the EU.
It is understood the hunger strike comes after the migrants on-board the vessel have become frustrated at the Italian Government’s refusal to allow them to enter Italy.
Reports in Italy say many of the migrants on-board the vessel have refused to eat any meals in an attempt change the Government’s stance.
However the Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has remained defiant despite the threat, saying “they can do whatever they believe”.
The latest developments come as the migrants have spent nine days on-board the vessel after being rescued by the Dicotti’s crew members in Mediterranean on August 16th.
It is believed all but 18 of the remaining 150 migrants are Eritrean, whilst the remaining migrants are from Syria, Somalia and Sudan.