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.

Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy also expressed support for the idea of a Palestinian state — while objecting to the U.K.'s current approach to recognizing one.

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,