(MENAFN) An international aid flotilla is now less than 399 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip and is anticipated to arrive at the besieged enclave by September 30, according to organizers on Sunday.

“Time moves and flotilla moves with it — every minute takes Global Sumud Flotilla nearer to Gaza and the justice it deserves,” the coalition declared in a statement posted on the US social media platform X.

Accompanying the message was a map detailing the route of the vessels, emphasizing the remaining distance to the heavily blockaded territory.

Wael Naouar, spokesperson for the flotilla’s Maghreb fleet, confirmed that the ships are projected to reach Gaza on either September 30 or October 1, with potential delays due to weather conditions.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of roughly 50 vessels, departed earlier this month with the mission to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza and deliver critical humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, to the conflict-stricken region.

A video shared by a Turkish activist onboard revealed that a Greek Navy ship had withdrawn after escorting the flotilla in international waters. Meanwhile, Italian and Spanish naval forces continue to provide protection for the activists aboard the fleet.

“The only thing between us and Gaza right now is the sea,” Ross Ykema, a Dutch activist, stated in a video message.

Since March 2, Israel has fully sealed Gaza’s border crossings, halting the entry of food and aid convoys and exacerbating famine conditions in the territory. Limited supplies are sporadically allowed through, many of which are reportedly looted by armed groups that Gaza authorities claim Israel shields.

Israel, as the occupying power, has a documented history of intercepting ships bound for Gaza, confiscating vessels, and deporting activists — actions critics condemn as piracy.

Since October 2023, Israeli genocidal war on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The relentless bombardment has left Gaza uninhabitable, causing widespread starvation and disease outbreaks.

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