Part 8/11:
The activists claimed they were delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza, but Israeli officials viewed the operation as a provocative spectacle designed more for publicity than aid delivery. The flotilla started in international waters approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza, with several vessels attempting to bypass the Israeli blockade.
Israeli naval vessels responded swiftly and forcefully. Communications were jammed, and many ships had their transponders turned off, making tracking difficult. As the Israeli Navy moved in, water cannons and intimidation tactics were reported, and activists describe warnings issued over loudspeakers instructing vessels to cease their approach and prepare for boarding.