A flotilla of international activists attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza remained on high alert Wednesday after being approached by Israeli military vessels, with organizers warning that interception was expected as in previous attempts.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying around 500 activists on approximately 50 small vessels from dozens of countries, is transporting symbolic humanitarian aid—including food and medicine—for Palestinians in the besieged territory.

Spain and Italy had dispatched naval ships to escort the flotilla for part of its journey but urged activists to turn back to avoid confrontation with Israel.

Two of our vessels were harassed overnight by Israeli warships, with communications jammed, though they were not intercepted,” the flotilla said.

Humanitarian mission amid war

The flotilla aims to draw global attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where a 23-month war has left much of the territory in ruins. The U.N.’s leading authority on the food crisis has declared famine in Gaza’s largest city. Organizers call this the largest attempt yet to breach Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade, which predates the current war.

Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics denounce it as collective punishment against the civilian population.

The journey and participants

The core flotilla set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on Sept. 1, and has been joined by boats from other countries en route. Support “motherships” provide provisions to smaller sailboats.|

Notable participants include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, and European lawmakers. Delegates from 46 countries are involved, including military veterans, doctors, clergy and lawyers.

Most vessels were sailing in international waters north of Egypt Wednesday morning, entering the “danger zone” where Israeli forces have stopped previous flotillas. Organizers hoped to reach Gaza by Thursday morning if undisturbed, though they considered interception likely.

Drone attacks and warnings

The flotilla reports having been targeted three times by drones: twice in Tunisia and once south of Greece, with explosions and communications interference causing vessel damage. No casualties were reported.

Israel has vowed to block the boats, criticizing the aid initiative and alleging links to Hamas—claims organizers reject. International law limits state jurisdiction to 12 nautical miles from shores, but Israel considers armed conflict an exception. Rights groups argue the blockade constitutes unlawful collective punishment.

Calls for restraint

Italy and Spain, while sending navy ships, have urged the flotilla not to breach the blockade. The Italian government offered an alternate route via Cyprus, which the organizers rejected as “sabotage” of their humanitarian mission.

The United Nations and European Union have warned against the use of force. Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for “absolute respect for the lives and integrity of more than 500 civilians and volunteers” on board, including two Colombian citizens.

Activist attempts to breach the Gaza blockade have faced repeated attacks, including the infamous 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, which left 10 civilians dead. The last successful mission reached Gaza in 2008.

The ongoing war

The current conflict began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostage. Israel’s offensive aims to force Hamas’ surrender and secure the release of remaining hostages. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, half of them women and children, though exact civilian numbers remain unclear.