Gaza flotilla enters danger zone near Israel

The international flotilla delivering aid to Gaza announced on Wednesday that it had entered a high-risk area near its destination, where several of its boats were approached by unidentified vessels, some moving without lights.

The flotilla, made up of more than 40 civilian vessels carrying over 500 participants, announced that it is on high alert for a possible interception. In a message shared on Telegram, the organizers said they were now in waters where previous aid convoys had faced attacks or interceptions. Activists on board include parliamentarians, lawyers, and Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The Italian government, which had been monitoring the flotilla with a naval frigate, confirmed that its military escort will withdraw once the convoy reaches 150 nautical miles (278 km) from Gaza. The Italian Defence Ministry said the decision is expected to take effect around midnight GMT, leaving the flotilla vulnerable to Israeli action.

Italy also urged flotilla leaders to accept a compromise by unloading aid at a Cypriot port instead of sailing directly to Gaza. The proposal aimed to avoid confrontation with Israeli forces, but flotilla representatives firmly rejected it. In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla declared that the mission would continue, stressing that the blockade must be challenged and humanitarian aid delivered directly to Palestinians.

Organizers said the convoy’s demand to break the siege cannot be diverted back to port. The development has heightened regional tensions as activists brace for possible interception at sea. Previous flotillas attempting similar missions were stopped by Israel, sometimes with deadly consequences. With hundreds of activists now pressing ahead, international attention has turned to how Israeli forces will respond and whether diplomatic efforts can prevent another violent confrontation at sea.