LIVE: Flotilla of boats attempt to break the Gaza blockade — Monday 18 May 2026In a high stakes showdown on the Mediterranean, a flotilla of boats is pushing hard to break through Israel's blockade of Gaza as the Israeli military ramps up intercepts. Live footage shows vessels packed with activists and supplies heading straight into the confrontation, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to a region under tight control for years. The effort highlights growing international frustration with the ongoing restrictions that limit food, medicine, and fuel reaching civilians. From Washington to Washington state, this clash is stirring fresh debate among Americans about our massive annual aid to Israel and what it means for US interests in the Middle East. Many here question why taxpayer dollars keep flowing while scenes of interception play out, especially as calls grow louder for policies that put human lives ahead of endless blockades. Lawmakers on both sides are feeling the heat from voters who want a real path to peace rather than repeated standoffs. The live images are fueling protests across major US cities, from Atlanta to Chicago, where demonstrators demand the blockade ends now. With tensions this visible, the flotilla could force American leaders to reassess our role and push harder for solutions that protect everyone involved.Watch the full video from Associated Press below.