The ‘Flotilla of Endurance’ Nears Gaza Amid Threats: Unknown Vessels Spotted, Italian Military Support Withdrawn

The "Flotilla of Endurance/Freedom" has approached the coasts of the Gaza Strip, now sitting about 150 nautical miles from the territory. This advance follows drone attacks on the flotilla last week off the coast of Greece and is set against a backdrop of heightened Israeli preparations to intercept and prevent its arrival.

Security sources reported today, Wednesday, that the operation to stop the naval convoy has begun with preliminary "technological" steps.

Unknown Vessels Approached; Cypriot Settlement Refused:

Earlier today, the Flotilla, composed of over 40 civilian boats attempting to deliver aid, announced that unknown vessels had approached several of its boats, some of which were sailing without lights. However, a subsequent post on Telegram confirmed that the vessels had departed and that participants had implemented security procedures in anticipation of a potential interception.

In a move that reduces the Flotilla's protection, Italy announced yesterday, Tuesday, that it had withdrawn its accompanying military vessel, leaving the activists more exposed to the threat of Israeli forces. Italy also urged Flotilla members to accept a settlement proposal to deliver aid at a port in Cyprus and avoid confrontation—an offer that Flotilla representatives have repeatedly rejected, insisting on their original mission.

The Goal: Breaking the Siege by Endurance:

The "Global Flotilla of Endurance," which includes parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, set sail from Barcelona late last August. Its primary goal is to break the Israeli blockade imposed on the Palestinian territory. Organizing bodies include the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and regional initiatives like the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla and Sumud Nusantara.

Israel, which previously intercepted a similar flotilla months ago, arresting and deporting several of its activists, confirmed once again that it will not permit aid to enter Gaza via this route.