Global Sumud Flotilla alleges Israeli harassment as ships approach Gaza
The Global Sumud Flotilla entered what it called the "high-risk zone" surrounding the Gaza Strip late on Tuesday, the organization said on its social media pages.
The flotilla is headed towards Gaza with humanitarian aid supplies and aims to break the naval blockade placed there by Israel’s military.

The group reported an increase in drone activity over the flotilla as it approached Gaza. Israel has said it will not allow the flotilla’s vessels to reach the strip.
Early on Wednesday, the flotilla posted a statement alleging an "intimidatory operation" by Israeli ships, with two of its lead vessels reportedly "aggressively" circled by Israeli warships while onboard communications were remotely disabled.
Israel, Italy and the Vatican all made offers to help distribute the aid from the flotilla in a way that Israel's government would accept, but the flotilla has been proceeding closer to its destination point.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned those participating in the flotilla that going forward with their plan would "undermine any possibility of a ceasefire," in a post on X.
"The truth is simple: that aid can be delivered without risk through the secure channels already in place. Insisting on wanting to force a naval blockade means making oneself -- knowingly or not -- an instrument of those who want to undermine any possibility of a ceasefire," Meloni said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called for the flotilla to transfer the aid through "the Port of Cyprus, the Ashkelon Marina, or any other port in the region into Gaza," in a post on X Tuesday.
"The U.S., Israel, and leaders from the Middle East and around the world are trying to bring an end to the war," Saar said. "The focus should be on de-escalating, not on orchestrating provocations."
-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman





