Israeli naval vessels said to Gaza Flatilla to change course as activists say that boats have intercepted

The Israeli navy told a flotilla bearing the help towards Gaza to change course, as activists say that the boats have been intercepted.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) wrote on social networks that some of its ships had been taken from “military staff” after being approached by Israeli ships and that it worked to confirm the status of those on board.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Navy had told Flatilla to change CAP because it “approached an active combat zone”. Israel has not yet confirmed that he was on ships.

Israel previously declared that he would not let the flotilla reach his destination. An earlier attempt saw activists held by Israeli forces and taken to the ground.

The Israeli foreign ministry said that the flotilla had been informed that it “violated a legal naval blockade” which covers the waters next to Gaza – although it is not clear if the boats had entered the blockade area.

The GSF said that several ships, including the Alma, one of the main ships, as well as the Suius and the Adara, had been intercepted and embarked.

Previously, he accused the Israeli army of “intentionally damaging ships communications, in order to block distress signals and stop the live broadcast of their illegal boat embarkation”.

Several webcams are still live and show militants on board ships.

He added that the flotilla was 70 naval miles from the shore of Gaza.

The GSF said he hoped that his ships would arrive on Thursday morning.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, also said that Flatilla GSF was being interception.

He said in a statement that France had assured “that any possible boarding operation would take place in the best possible security conditions”.

The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs said he had been reassured by Israel that his armed forces would not use violence against the 500 people on board, including Italian politicians and the Swedish activist of the Greta Thunberg climate.

Antonio Tajani said: “Boarding was planned, we talk about it … With (the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon) Saar so that there are no violent actions on the part of the Armed Forces of Tel Aviv, and that was assured.”

Israel has already blocked two activists attempts to provide Ship’s help in Gaza in June and July.

Earlier, Italy and Greece called Israel to ensure the security of activists and said they were closely monitoring developments.