On the Mediterranean Sea, the Al Awda boat is sailing towards Gaza, which has been under land, sea, and air blockade by Israel since 2007. In the open sea, Al Awda is tossed around like a bucket in a storm. The 22 activists and journalists onboard, many of whom are above 50 years old, struggle with the turbulent waves. But a greater challenge lies ahead. The activists expect to be hijacked by the Israeli navy. 

To prepare, they conduct rehearsals and discussions. What are the limits of non-violent resistance? What does it feel like to be tasered? What will happen if they are captured? Their discussions are shaped by the events of 2010, when ten people were killed and more than 50 injured when Israeli commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara ship that was on a similar mission to break the Israeli blockade.

After eight days of sailing, at 60 nautical miles from Gaza, the phone rings with the warning that Al Awda is trespassing into Israel. The accusation is repeated over and over. Deckhand Mikkel replies each time that the boat is in international waters, and that “we have no business with Israel”. The activists put on life jackets and move into position. On the horizon, Israeli warships surround the boat.