Israeli Navy Prepares to Intercept Massive Gaza Aid Flotilla Amid Blockade

A large humanitarian aid flotilla, the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying medical supplies and activists including Greta Thunberg, is nearing the Gaza Strip amid an 18-year Israeli blockade. Israel is preparing to intercept the flotilla at sea, with naval forces ready to seize the ships and tow them to port, citing security concerns that the convoy could smuggle weapons to Hamas despite the flotilla's stated humanitarian mission. The Israeli government has ordered the military not to allow the flotilla to enter Gaza under any circumstances, heightening tensions and raising fears of a violent confrontation. The flotilla's approach has drawn international attention, with Amnesty International and German officials calling for protection of the activists and urging all parties to avoid escalation. Meanwhile, reports reveal that Israel is supporting and arming local militias inside Gaza as alternatives to Hamas, complicating the humanitarian situation and potentially undermining peace efforts under President Donald Trump's plan for the region. The ongoing blockade and internal conflicts in Gaza exacerbate the starvation and medical crises faced by its 2.4 million residents.