A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:

Hundreds of people in dozens of boats have set off from ports around the Mediterranean, the largest civilian attempt to try and break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The effort was organized by climate activist Greta Thunberg and others. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports it's receiving a swell of public support in parts of Europe.

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RUTH SHERLOCK, BYLINE: It's a late summer's evening in Rome, and people are enjoying the paratevos in the bars along the Tiber River.

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SHERLOCK: On the water, a boat draped in an enormous Palestinian flag sets sail.

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SHERLOCK: I'm on a boat that's making its way down the Tiber, through the heart of Rome. Their objective? Make as much noise as they can, raise as much awarene

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