The Israeli Navy has intercepted a flotilla of vessels carrying pro-Palestinian activists attempting to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip. According to the organizers, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza, nine vessels with around 150 activists from approximately 30 countries were stopped about 220 kilometers off the Gaza coast early on Wednesday.

The Israeli naval forces reportedly “attacked and illegally intercepted” the ships, as stated by the group on social media. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception, describing it as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.” The ministry added that the vessels were being escorted to an Israeli port, with all crew members safe and in good health.

The activists are expected to be deported shortly. This incident is similar to a previous one last week, in which the Israeli Navy detained over 40 boats from a similar aid flotilla carrying around 400 participants from various countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Most of those detained have since been released and deported.

Organizers of the earlier mission, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, accused Israeli forces of physical and psychological mistreatment and violating detainees’ rights. However, the Israeli government dismissed these allegations as lies, stating that all rights had been fully respected.

The aid flotillas have been criticized for carrying relatively small amounts of aid, which may not significantly assist Gaza’s population. Instead, these missions are largely seen as symbolic acts of solidarity with the Palestinians, aimed at drawing attention to the situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government maintains a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, citing security concerns. The interceptions of these flotillas have sparked ongoing debates about the blockade’s impact on the region and the rights of those attempting to deliver aid.