Overview

• The convoy of roughly 45 boats carrying about 500 activists, including dozens of Italians, pushed into the high‑risk zone overnight at approximately 130–145 nautical miles from Gaza.
• Israeli vessels conducted close maneuvers and electronic disruption that interfered with the lead ship Alma’s navigation and communications, with multiple boats reported under containment.
• The IDF has readied Shayetet 13 for boardings, with plans reported to transfer passengers to a warship and tow vessels to Ashdod, where police processing and detention at Ketziot have been outlined by Israeli media.
• Italy’s frigate Alpino stopped at the 150‑mile limit and offered rescue-only transfers to any activists requesting to come aboard, reiterating it will not enter the interception area.
• Political and legal frictions grew as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the flotilla to stop to avoid endangering the US plan advanced by President Trump, unions warned of a general strike if activists are blocked, and legal groups defended the voyage’s legality.