A humanitarian aid flotilla destined for the Gaza Strip has been delayed after Guinea Bissau decided to remove its flag from two vessels, apparently under the Israeli regime’s pressure.

According to the Gaza aid flotilla’s organizers, the reason for the withdrawal of the vessels and subsequent delay of the flotilla’s schedule is directly a result of pressure from Israel and the United States.

“Normally, national flagging authorities concern themselves only with safety and related standards on vessels bearing their flag,” the coalition said.