This video grab taken from a livestream broadcasted by the Global Sumud Flotilla shows a view of the boats of the flotilla aiming at breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. AFP
"Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health," the ministry said on X, after Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels sailing towards Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Israeli military has so far taken control of more than 40 vessels from the "Global Sumud Flotilla," which set sail with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
Hundreds of participants have been transferred to Ashdod Port, where they face either voluntary deportation or legal proceedings that could lead to forced expulsion.
Israeli naval and ground forces are also conducting patrols to ensure no vessel manages to breach the blockade and reach Gaza.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the Freedom Flotilla told Al Jazeera that 13 of the 44 ships participating in the “Global Sumud Flotilla” had fallen under Israeli naval control.
Al Jazeera correspondent reported that the intercepted vessels were carrying dozens of activists and that the Israeli navy had ordered the flotilla to alter its course toward Ashdod Port.
The flotilla organizers accused Israel of “hostile behavior” at sea. In a statement posted on Telegram, they said one of their vessels, Florida, was deliberately rammed, while others—including Yolara and Metic—were targeted with water cannons.
The fate of many of the crews and activists on board the intercepted ships remains unclear. However, flotilla representatives confirmed that Israeli forces detained participants on the vessel Sirus, including Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent Hayat Al-Yamani.
Israel’s Channel 13 cited sources saying that operations to seize control of the flotilla would continue through Thursday.
The developments came shortly after Israeli warships surrounded the flotilla, cutting off its communications.
Earlier, flotilla organizers had said they were on high alert in anticipation of possible interception, reporting sightings of at least 20 Israeli naval vessels approaching.
Despite mounting pressure—including what they described as “intimidation maneuvers” by Israel and warnings from several European governments—the organizers of the international aid flotilla had vowed to continue their mission to Gaza.
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