Youssef Sammour (right) Photo: SUPPLIED/Youssef Sammour
A New Zealander on board one of 70 boats trying to deliver aid to Gaza is hopeful the mission will pave the way for a humanitarian corridor.
The flotilla comes amid continued deadly bombardment of Gaza City, with the Israeli military saying it now controls 40 percent of it.
Despite almost 20 years of missions, only five boats have ever reached Gaza.
New Zealand Palestinian, Yousef Sammour, is on his third attempt onboard a sailboat carrying water and dried food.
He told Saturday Morning this time it is different.
"This has never happened before. There's never been this many ships heading to Gaza as part of a humanitarian fleet in the history of the occupation.
"So we are all very hopeful and we are trusting that it will help and it will make a difference.
"And if we can't deliver the aid physically, we're hoping that it will at least inspire more people to stand up."
He said if they do reach Gaza, the UN and other organisations could start delivering desperately needed aid by sea.
Sammour said it was obvious what was happening to the Palestinian people was wrong, and attending rallies and lobbying politicians only goes so far.
"But it's a totally different feeling when you feel like you're actually doing something physically that is making a difference - or you hope will make a difference.
"Mobilising 70 ships and being onboard one of the ships and you are pulling ropes and making your way towards Gaza. You are using all your physical skills as well as your mental and emotional skills."
A flotilla earlier this year with climate activist Greta Thunberg on board was intercepted by the Israeli military and prevented from reaching Gaza.
Israel has vowed to continue its attacks until Hamas is eliminated and its hostages returned.
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