Overview

• Organisers say more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 people, including Greta Thunberg, are pressing on toward Gaza to challenge the blockade.
• The flotilla reports increased drone activity and says unidentified vessels approached before dawn, with one video alleging an Israeli ship made dangerous manoeuvres and disrupted communications.
• Italy confirmed its frigate will stop at the 150-nautical-mile line, Spain limits support to rescue readiness outside Israel’s exclusion area, and Turkish drones are tracking the boats.
• Israel has warned it will prevent any breach of the blockade and proposed offloading aid via Ashkelon or Cyprus, while releasing documents it claims link organisers to Hamas through the PCPA.
• Flotilla leaders reject diversion proposals and say they are bracing for boarding as Israeli forces prepare to intercept, with some reports pointing to an approach around Yom Kippur.