The last and largest of the Gaza-bound ships that form a nine-vessel aid flotilla is set to sail this afternoon from Antalya, Turkey, despite repeated Israeli threats to thwart the humanitarian mission.
Israeli media reported that the country's navy is waiting for an order from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on how to deal with the flotilla.
Israel's moves are likely to be well thought out as its relations with European allies suffered in recent months due to the country's alleged use of European passports in the Dubai assassination of Hamas commander Mahmoud Al Mabhouh.
Statements of support
Civil society groups from both Britain and Ireland have a heavy presence on the flotilla. Israel's relations with both countries have suffered since Al Mabhouh's assassination. Irish officials have more than once made statements of support to the flotilla.
Turkey, too, lent official support to the flotilla, but in a last-minute move Turkish members of parliament from the ruling AK Party appear to have backed out.
The president of IHH, the Turkish Relief Fund that is organising the flotilla, said the reason Turkish MPs were not joining the campaign was so that it would not appear to be a "government initiative".
Protest action
Organisers have planned a public relations campaign against Israel should it stop the flotilla from sailing to Gaza. They have set up three permanent cameras on board which will stream live footage by satellite. IHH also said the coalition has planned to mobilise supporters around the world to protest at Israeli embassies. There are 34 journalists on the Mavi Marmara, the biggest ship, as well as citizens of about 50 countries, including lawmakers and prominent personalities.
