CHICAGO (WLS) -- The mother of an Illinois woman who was on one of the boats that was heading to Gaza to bring aid to its starving people spoke with ABC7 Chicago.

Activists say they were trying to bring aid, but Israeli leaders slammed the action. The majority of activists were intercepted before they reached Gaza's shores.

Dozens showed their support Thursday in Chicago by floating down the river downtown.

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Israeli authorities are now preparing to deport hundreds of pro-Gaza activists picked up in the Mediterranean Sea who were trying to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged enclave. Among them an Illinois veteran with a record of reaching out to those in need.

Marine veteran Jessica Clotfelter served on the presidential

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