Hyderabad, Oct. 6 -- A humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, comprised of 11 vessels, has appealed for international protection as it nears the Israel-blockaded enclave, with organisers confirming the convoy is currently about 294 nautical miles (545 kilometres) away.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) launched the Ship of Conscience as part of the Thousand Madleens to Gaza initiative, carrying 92 participants from 26 countries, including doctors, journalists and human rights defenders.

The mission aims to deliver medical aid and draw attention to Israel's longstanding naval blockade of Gaza.

According to the coalition's live tracker, the Milad vessel is leading the flotilla's course from near Alexandria towards Gaza, about 270 nauti...