Hostage families launch Gaza flotilla calling for ceasefire and return deal

Relatives of those held in the Strip will call out messages to their loved one and drop buoys into the water (Image: Hostages and Missing Families Forum)[Missing Credit]

A spokesperson for the forum said: “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’.

"The people of Israel are behind us. The people of Israel are with the hostages.”

“We are sailing to the maritime border with Gaza to cry out on behalf of our loved ones, held captive by a murderous terrorist organisation. The recent statements about conquering Gaza and escalating the fighting put them at immediate risk of death or disappearance.”

They added: “Returning all 50 hostages is the only image of Israeli victory. 

"Continued obstruction, hesitation, and delays in bringing our loved ones home will be a disaster for generations. It's on you. Do not sacrifice our loved ones on the altar of an endless war.”

A group of 20 hostage relatives are taking part in the protest, which has been arranged in coordination with the Israel Police and the IDF. Three of the boats will have hostage families and journalists aboard.

The boats are displaying yellow flags and protest signs. It is expected that each boat will carry out three symbolic acts: using megaphones to call out towards Gaza; broadcasting a “mayday” emergency signal and throwing buoys into the water.

Haggai Angrest, father of hostage Matan Angrest said: “I will shout to him that it's his father, so he knows I'm here, so he can hold on.

“We want to be as close as possible to our children and put an end to this insanity. It's been too long."

The flotilla mirrors tactics used in recent months by pro-Palestine activists, including Greta Thunberg, who have launched aid-carrying vessels to try and breach the blockade.

All of the boats that got close to the Gazan coast have been intercepted by the IDF and redirected to Ashdod, with their crews deported to their home nations.