Godfrey, who is also a spokesman for Free Gaza Australia, said the mission had been planned towards the end of last year, and described Israel’s blockade as “illegal, barbaric and inhumane”.

“We’re responding with this emergency mission to the genocide that is taking place in Gaza, and the Israeli-induced famine and starvation which is being inflicted upon the Palestinian people,” he said.

“Our governments are doing nothing at all to stop it … they’re doing nothing to ensure humanitarian aid can enter by land, or by sea, or by air. When governments fail, we sail.”

He said the action was happening now because “people can’t wait any longer”.

“All the participants have decided to participate in full knowledge of what’s happened before, and our previous attempts to break the blockade,” Godfrey said.

“We’ve been involved in many discussions about the various possibilities that could take place. People are mentally prepared, as physically prepared as they can be.

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“They’re undergoing training in Istanbul. They each have a significant support crew back from where they are from who are supporting them in all different sorts of ways as they embark.”

Coward said his role in the mission was as an international participant. He and Godfrey both called on the federal government to exert international influence to allow the boat, and the Australians on board, safe passage to Gaza.

Consular officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are continuing to make efforts to contact Australians intending to board the flotilla.

A DFAT spokesperson urged those wishing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through established channels.

“Previous attempts to break the naval blockade along the coast of Gaza have resulted in injury, death, arrest and the deportation of foreigners,” they said, adding: “We urge Australians not to try to break the naval blockade.”

The spokesperson said Australia was using its voice to advocate for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to enable the facilitation of aid into Gaza at scale and the release of hostages.

“We have been clear with Israel that it must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale,” they said.

“Australia continues to support the international community’s response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Since this conflict commenced, Australia has committed $52.5 million in humanitarian assistance to address essential needs.”