France, April 12 -- Around 20 French boats sailed out of Marseille on Saturday in a show of solidarity with Gaza, joining a growing international effort to challenge Israel's long-running blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.

Cheered on by roughly a thousand supporters gathered at the docks, the mostly small sailboats departed to applause and chants of "Gaza, Marseille is with you", setting the tone for what organisers hope will become a highly visible, multinational mission.

The vessels will link up with the so-called Global Sumud Flotilla - named after a Gazan fisherman - which is expected to bring together around 100 boats from across the Mediterranean in the coming days.

A larger contingent of about 30 bo...