Israel is vowing to again use armed force to stop an international aid flotilla from reaching the Gaza Strip. Palestinian solidarity activists are expected to set sail from a number of ports later this month just over a year after Israeli forces killed nine activists on an aid boat at sea. A U.S.-based vessel is taking part in the mission. An Israeli navy commander, Rani Ben-Yehuda, warned flotilla organizers to hand over their aid if they want it to reach Gaza.

Rani Ben-Yehuda: “Supplies are getting into Gaza on a daily basis. The reason of the maritime security blockade is to prevent from terrorists and weapons to get into the hands of terrorist organizations in Gaza. And like we said before, I’m saying it again: We are inviting all the organizers of the flotilla to come to Ashdod and to transfer their cargo in the legal way into Gaza.”

Among the boats that are part of the flotilla is one filled with about 50 Americans. The ship is called the “Audacity of Hope.” It is planning to set sail from Athens, Greece, next week.