Israeli forces intercept Gaza-bound aid flotilla, organizers say

Israeli forces began intercepting vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on Monday, according to organizers and video footage from onboard the boats.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli military personnel boarded several vessels off the coast of Cyprus as the convoy attempted to continue toward the besieged Gaza Strip.

Video footage shared by the group showed activists filming as Israeli forces approached and boarded boats participating in the mission.

More than 50 vessels departed from the Turkish port city of Marmaris last week in what organizers described as the final stage of a journey aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

The interceptions came after the Turkish branch of the flotilla campaign said one of its vessels, the Munki, had come under “attack” and “close harassment” by Israeli military boats.