Hostage families launch Gaza flotilla demanding ceasefire and return deal
Relatives of captives drop buoys and shout messages offshore in symbolic protest; organisers call on leaders to act before it’s “too late”
Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza launched a flotilla off the coast of southern Israel on Thursday morning in a dramatic plea for a ceasefire and an agreement to bring their loved ones home.
The convoy of 11 boats, organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, departed from the Ashkelon marina and sailed toward the closest safe point near Gaza’s maritime border – stopping short of the coastline due to the risk of rocket fire and the ongoing Israeli naval blockade.
Dubbed “Shayetet 50” (Hebrew for flotilla), the action aims to draw attention to the 50 hostages believed to remain in Hamas captivity nearly two years after they were abducted on 7 October, 2023.
“We will sail from Ashkelon and Ashdod toward the maritime border with the Gaza Strip in a desperate cry: ‘Bring our children home before it’s too late,’” a Forum spokesperson said. “The people of Israel are with us. The people of Israel are with the hostages.”
Three boats carried family members and journalists, while others displayed yellow flags and banners calling for a deal. As they neared the maritime limit, relatives broadcast messages over megaphones, sent out symbolic mayday calls, and dropped floating buoys into the water bearing the names of hostages.
“We are sailing to cry out on behalf of our loved ones, held captive by a murderous terrorist organisation,” the Forum said. “The recent statements about conquering Gaza and escalating the fighting put them at immediate risk of death or disappearance.”
“Returning all 50 hostages is the only image of Israeli victory. Continued obstruction, hesitation, and delays will be a disaster for generations. It’s on you. Do not sacrifice our loved ones on the altar of an endless war.”
The action was coordinated with the IDF and Israel Police. A group of around 20 hostage relatives took part in the protest, which organisers said was a cry of desperation following stalled negotiations and renewed fighting.
Haggai Angrest, whose son Matan is among those still held, said he hoped his voice might somehow reach him:
“I will shout to him that it’s his father, so he knows I’m here – so he can hold on,” he said. “We want to be as close as possible to our children and put an end to this insanity. It’s been too long.”
The protest mirrors recent tactics by pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, who have attempted to breach the Israeli blockade by sea. All aid flotillas attempting to reach Gaza have so far been intercepted and redirected to Ashdod by the Israeli navy.
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