A new convoy of humanitarian vessels is sailing toward the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel's naval blockade as international anger grows after Israeli forces dismantled an earlier flotilla.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the vessel Conscience, part of the new fleet, departed from Italy on Wednesday, carrying about 100 activists. Many of them are medical workers and journalists, according to the group.

The ship joined eight other vessels that had set sail from Italy nearly a week ago.

The nine ships are currently near the Greek island of Crete, according to The Times of Israel, citing real-time tracking data.

The flotilla risks interception by the Israeli navy, which has already seized the entire Global Sumud Flotilla – once a 44-vessel fleet – and detained hundreds of volunteers on board, drawing condemnation from the international community.