Israel intercepts aid flotilla bound for Gaza and takes crews into custody

Israel said yesterday it had prevented a pro-Palestinian flotilla reaching Gaza after its navy intercepted all but one of the vessels that were seeking to breach Israel's naval blockade by delivering aid.

- Lorenzo Tondo Palermo Sam Jones Madrid

The status of the final boat remained unclear last night but it appeared likely to also have been stopped by the Israelis.

Earlier the Israeli foreign ministry, describing the flotilla's mission as a provocation, said "all passengers are safe and in good health", adding that "they are being safely transported to Israel, and from there they will be deported to Europe".

Vessels from the Global Sumud flotilla, with more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists including the Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were boarded late on Wednesday by Israeli forces roughly 75 miles off Gaza.

The goal of the flotilla, which was carrying symbolic humanitarian aid, was to breach the Gaza blockade and establish a maritime corridor into the territory.