Flotilla back en route to Gaza after mechanical problem caused delay 

The Global Sumud Flotilla has resumed its course to Gaza after an engine room leak halted the humanitarian aid mission on Monday morning. 

The flotilla organizers confirmed later in the morning that all passengers from the damaged boat, named the 'Johnny M,' were safely transferred to another vessel in the fleet. 

In an update shared on social media, the activists thanked the Red Crescent for assistance and confirmed that the 'Johnny M' is unable to continue. 

"This will not cause significant delays to the mission, which is set to arrive in as close as 4 days," the update said. 

A month after setting sail to break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, the flotilla now enters the final leg of its journey in the eastern Mediterranean. 

The first group of ships left Barcelona on September 1 with activist Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham, and former mayor Ada Colau on board amid dozens of other civilian activists.

The temporary delay Monday morning follows a week of intense global tension over the mission. 

After a drone attack that damaged the fleet on Wednesday, Spain and Italy sent military vessels to assist in case of emergency. 

With Israel vowing to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza, Italy urged the organizers to hand over the aid and turn back from entering Israeli waters. 

However, the flotilla continues on and expects to enter the most dangerous part of its journey within the next two days.