Ashkelon: A flotilla carrying Israeli hostage families set sail from the port of Ashkelon in southern Israel toward the Gaza Strip, protesting their government's inaction in ceasefire and hostage swap negotiations with Hamas.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Hostages Families Forum stated that the Shayetet 50 flotilla "has just departed to sea, heading south to get as close as possible to their loved ones." The flotilla includes nearly 11 boats and 20 people, as reported by the Israeli daily Israel Hayom.

The families expressed concerns in a statement released by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, saying, "Statements about conquering Gaza and expanding the fighting put our loved ones at immediate risk of death and disappearance. Bringing all 50 hostages home is the only true victory image."

Israeli media, citing Israeli officials, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured US backing for the full reoccupation of Gaza and launching military operations in areas believed to hold captives. The Security Cabinet is expected to convene on Thursday to approve a full military occupation of the enclave.

Currently, about 50 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, with approximately 20 believed to be alive. In response, Israel is holding over 10,800 Palestinian detainees, many of whom rights groups claim are suffering from torture, starvation, and neglect, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights groups.

Hostage families and the opposition accuse Netanyahu of stalling a Gaza ceasefire and partial prisoner swap to prolong the war and preserve his fragile coalition. Israel has been facing increasing outrage due to its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 61,100 deaths since October 2023, devastating the enclave and threatening famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.