Three ships are currently being outfitted for a flotilla to the Gaza Strip this summer, in yet another attempt to break Israel's blockade of the coastal strip, Ma'an Palestinian news agency reported on Friday.

Berawi Zaher, coordinator of The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), declined to specify the departure points of the ships and the exact dates of departure, in order to avoid what he called Israeli pressure on countries involved in the operation.

Final logistical arrangements for the flotilla, which has been named Freedom Flotilla III, are to be made in Greece next month.



"Our flotillas will continue to sail until the illegal blockade of Gaza is permanently lifted," the organizers said in a statement. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is more critical than ever and is worsening by the day. Media apathy and inaction by most governments puts the burden on civil society organizations, such as ourselves, to take the lead in challenging the blockade."

A range of political, religious, economic and public figures are expected to participate in the flotilla, including former Tunisian President Muncef al-Marzouki, Ma'an reported.

It will be the third flotilla since 2010, when nine activists were killed on board the Mavi Marmara in an operation by Israeli commandos.

A second flotilla planned for 2011 was unable to reach Gaza after Greek authorities prevented the ships from leaving Athens.