The flotilla, which departed Bizerte Port on Saturday, includes more than 40 vessels carrying between 500 and 700 activists from over 40 countries, according to Anadolu.

Participants say they are determined to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Among them is Franco-Palestinian lawmaker Rima Hassan, a member of the French National Assembly, who announced her participation after boarding in Tunisia. “Our governments are responsible for the continuation of the genocide in Gaza,” Hassan wrote on X, accusing European leaders of remaining silent in the face of Israeli attacks on aid convoys. In June, she joined another Gaza-bound boat that Israeli forces intercepted in international waters.

The flotilla has drawn support from prominent activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who has long been criticised by Israeli officials for her solidarity with Palestinians. Earlier this week, flotilla organisers reported that two of their ships – the Family, which had members of the steering committee on board, and the Alma – were attacked while anchored near Tunis. Activists suspect Israeli involvement, noting that one vessel was struck by a drone. Tunisia’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed a “premeditated aggression” and said an investigation was underway.

Despite the attacks, organisers insist they will press ahead. “Faced with this inaction, I am joining this citizens’ initiative, which is the largest humanitarian maritime convoy ever undertaken,” Hassan said. (Aljazeera)