The Israeli Navy intercepted a Palestinian boat that set off from the Gaza port on Tuesday in an attempt to break Israel's decadelong maritime blockade on the Hamas-ruled territory.
The provocation, orchestrated by Hamas, was broadcast live on social media and television stations in Gaza.
Israeli sailors searched the boat and towed it to a naval base in Ashdod. There were no reports of violence.
The organizers planned to sail the boat, which was accompanied by several smaller vessels, out of the 6-nautical mile limit imposed by Israel.
The 17 Palestinians on the boat included a disabled person and several with injuries who were seeking medical attention abroad, as well as college students and graduates hoping for jobs in other countries. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered at the pier to witness the voyage.
"We demand to break the blockade. I hope to seek medical treatment in other Arabic countries because of my injury. The attempt to sail today aims to help us break the blockade," said a participant named Mohammed Abu Eidah.
The IDF offered medical assistance to the disabled passenger. After being questioned at the Ashdod base, all the passengers were expected to be returned to the Gaza Strip.
