A vessel carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid is nearing the Gaza Strip, with organizers expecting an imminent interception by Israeli forces enforcing a maritime blockade. The ship, named Handala, set sail from Sicily and is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, whose previous attempt to reach Gaza was stopped by Israel last month. On board are 19 activists, including politicians and journalists, who have pledged to begin a hunger strike if intercepted. Israeli authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the blockade, citing security concerns, while organizers and critics argue that the blockade exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Recent months have seen a worsening situation in Gaza, with reports of increasing deaths from malnutrition, though Israeli officials dispute claims of widespread famine.