Activists plan new flotilla to bring aid to Gaza

Organisers said they plan about 100 boats carrying up to 1,000 medics after last year's flotilla of roughly 40 boats was halted by Israeli forces and more than 450 participants were detained.

Activists who organised last year's Global Sumud Flotilla announced plans for a larger attempt to bring aid to Gaza. They said organisers hope to mobilise around 100 boats and that the convoy could include up to 1,000 medics. Last October, Israeli forces halted roughly 40 boats and detained more than 450 participants, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Organisers met at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, where Mandla Mandela, who was detained during the earlier mission, spoke at the gathering. Key points: - Organisers said they aim to assemble about 100 boats and expect up to 1,000 medical personnel to participate. - Last year's flotilla of roughly 40 boats was halted by the Israeli military and more than 450 participants were detained, including Greta Thunberg. - Israeli officials have repeatedly denounced such sea missions; Israel controls access to the Gaza Strip and denies withholding supplies. - Palestinians and international aid groups report aid to Gaza remains insufficient despite an October ceasefire that included guarantees of increased assistance, and Israeli forces now control more than 53% of the Gaza Strip where residents have been ordered to leave some areas. Summary: Organisers say the planned larger flotilla seeks to draw attention to humanitarian conditions in Gaza and will greatly increase the number of boats compared with last year. If the convoy is blocked again, organisers said they would still regard the action as highlighting Gaza's plight. Undetermined at this time.