Members of the families of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, sail on board a boat as it leaves the marina of the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon on August 7, 2025. Relatives of Israeli hostages set sail on August 7 in a flotilla to approach the Gaza Strip, according to an AFP journalist aboard one vessel, with organisers saying they hoped to "get as close as possible to their loved ones". More than 20 people boarded several boats that departed from the coastal city of Ashkelon carrying yellow flags and posters bearing the images of the hostages, as they shouted their names. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)