Israel has maintained a naval blockade off the coast of Gaza since 2007, when Hamas took control of the Strip, and described attempts to breach the blockade as "futile". Lawyers that work for the Thousand Madleens to Gaza group said they had visited some of the passengers in prison.

John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a staunch supporter of Israel, congratulated President Donald Trump on Wednesday shortly after the commander in chief announced in a Truth Social post that Hamas and Israel agreed to phase one of a peace plan.

Early on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led fighters launched a multipronged terrorist attack on Israel. The resulting war in Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe.

Meanwhile indirect talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing a deal to end the war in Gaza are continuing in Egypt.

Israel intercepted another flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade and reach Gaza. This comes just days after another fleet was intercepted.

Forty-eight hostages remain inside Gaza, around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive. Hamas has said it will release them only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire.