Israel has insisted that it will not allow the flotilla carrying aid to Gaza to breach the blockade on the Palestinian territory.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said it would not allow the ships to enter the combat zone or violate the sea blockade, accusing Hamas of organizing the flotilla to serve the group’s agenda.
According to the ministry, Israel urged the ships to dock at the Ashkelon Marina to unload aid before being transferred to Gaza in a coordinated manner.
Earlier this month, the Global Sumud Flotilla, which also carries prominent pro-Palestinian activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, sailed from Tunisia to Gaza after several delays.
The flotilla aims to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade of the territory.
Before departing, organizers claimed that two of their boats were attacked by drones. Israel had previously blocked two attempts by activists to enter Gaza by sea in June and July.
