The Israeli Navy on Sunday stopped a flotilla trying to breach the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The military said the flotilla was under surveillance as it was approaching the maritime border and was apprehended "in accordance with international law."
Navy commandos seized control of the lead vessel, the Awda ("Return" in Arabic) after it ignored several hails to stop and turn around. The operation was completed without incident and the ship was diverted to the Ashdod Port, the IDF's statement said.
According to French news agency AFP, a three-vessel flotilla left Palermo, Sicily, on July 21, but one of the smaller ships participating in the sail had to turn back due to mechanical failure.
The Awda was carrying some medical supplies meant for Gaza, which the military ensured activists will be transferred to the Strip following the proper security screening.
According to media reports, the flotilla included 50 passengers overall. The 22 aboard the Awda included journalists, activists and a Jordanian lawmaker.
Israeli rescue pilot-turned-activist Yonatan Shapira also participated in the flotilla – his fourth – and was aboard the Awda.
"Our main objective is to break the siege and give these ships to Gaza fishermen who wage a daily struggle for their livelihood. We are a group of peace activists who have chosen a nonviolent struggle," Shapira said.
Israel imposed a maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip after the Islamist terrorist group Hamas seized control of the enclave in a military coup in 2007. Israel maintains the measure is necessary to prevent Hamas from smuggling in weapons and terrorists into Gaza.
