The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, as well as the opposition and a large part of the Israeli public, are strongly against the expansion of the operation, arguing it would put their loved ones at even more risk.

Ahead of a security cabinet meeting that is expected to sign off on plans for a new large-scale offensive against Hamas, the families of hostages remaining in captivity are ramping up their protests,

The flotilla departed from Ashkelon’s port around 11 AM on Tuesday morning, and is expected to conclude the sailing around 2 PM the same day. In a powerful demonstration, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum sailed as close as possible to the Gaza shore today,