A new fleet of aid ships is making its way through the Mediterranean in an attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Free Gaza Movement’s “Freedom Flotilla” consists of nine vessels carrying over 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid for Gaza residents. The flagship vessel departed from Ireland earlier this month and is named after the American peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was crushed to death by an Israeli military bulldozer in March 2003. Israel is vowing to repel the flotilla after stopping at least three Free Gaza sailings since January 2009. One Free Gaza ship almost sunk after being deliberately rammed by an Israeli vessel. Israel intercepted another ship in international waters and arrested all of its passengers. Another ship was forced to turn back after the Israeli navy threatened to shoot the civilian passengers on board. Israel now says it will also prevent the Freedom Flotilla from reaching Gaza.