Israeli sources reported that the Israeli navy is preparing to confront another pro-Palestinian fleet expected to sail from Turkey, just days after Israel attacked several vessels from the “Steadfastness Fleet” in international waters near Crete and detained dozens of activists on board.
اضافة اعلان
According to Israel’s Channel 13, the new fleet—expected to head toward the Gaza Strip from the Turkish city of Marmaris—is being organized by a Turkish humanitarian organization known for coordinating the Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010.
The report indicated that Israeli military estimates consider the new fleet more significant than previous ones, with concerns that some activists on board could be armed and might attempt to break the naval blockade on Gaza by force.
It added that the Israeli navy has reinforced its forces to intercept the fleet at an early stage.
These preparations come amid serious accusations from activists who participated in the recent European fleet, which was intercepted by Israeli forces last Thursday. Activists aboard 20 ships of the “Steadfastness Fleet” said Israeli soldiers used excessive force and deliberately sabotaged communication and propulsion systems, rendering the vessels unable to continue sailing.
Ships Gathering in Turkey
On Friday evening, a private plane carrying 59 activists—including 18 Turkish citizens from the “Global Steadfastness Fleet”—landed at Istanbul Airport after Israeli forces detained 175 activists during the flotilla’s attempt to break the blockade in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Upon arrival, activists told media outlets that preparations are underway for a new fleet consisting of 100 to 150 vessels assembling in Turkish ports.
Meanwhile, additional groups from the “Steadfastness Fleet” are still en route to Gaza. A contingent has departed from Sicily as part of what organizers call the “Spring 2026 Mission,” which initially set sail with around 39 boats from Barcelona on April 12. Organizers plan for more than 100 ships and boats to depart from ports in Spain, Italy, and Tunisia.
These developments recall the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla, when Israeli forces raided the vessel “Marmara,” killing 10 Turkish activists and injuring 56 others, sparking a major diplomatic crisis between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
It is worth noting that the first successful maritime attempt to break the blockade on Gaza took place in August 2008, when the ships “Liberty” and “Free Gaza” reached Gaza’s shores. The last vessel to successfully arrive was the Qatari ship “Dignity,” which reached Gaza Port in December 2008.
Al Jazeera
