Organizers behind an international flotilla carrying humanitarian assistance to Gaza said Thursday that they are preparing a far larger mission set to depart in March, involving more than 100 vessels, according to a report by The Associated Press.

Those leading the campaign framed the planned voyage as the biggest civilian-driven effort yet opposing Israel’s conduct in Gaza, and they called on governments and international bodies to ensure that Israeli forces do not attempt to stop the flotilla at sea.

The plans were unveiled during an event at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where speakers included Mandla Mandela, the grandson of South Africa’s former president.

Mandela took part in last year’s Global Sumud flotilla and was among the activists detained when Israeli forces stopped their vessel before it reached Gaza.

According to organizers, more than 1,000 participants are expected to take part in the upcoming mission, including physicians, engineers, and investigators focused on alleged war crimes. In addition to the maritime effort, a land convoy is being organized that could attract thousands more supporters traveling from countries such as Tunisia and Egypt.

The flotilla’s vessels are slated to set sail from ports in Spain, Tunisia, and Italy. While activists acknowledged that clashes with Israeli forces are likely, they maintained that their actions are protected under international law.

The previous flotilla last year consisted of roughly 50 boats and about 500 activists. Israeli authorities detained an estimated 443 people, among them Mandela, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.

Earlier that same year, a separate effort known as the Madleen also sought to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces.

After that interception, the activists were provided with food and water, despite many having recorded videos in advance claiming they were “kidnapped” by the IDF.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry later said that the aid aboard the Madleen amounted to less than a single truckload and would instead be delivered to Gaza through established humanitarian channels.

{Matzav.com}