The Israeli navy has told a flotilla carrying aid towards Gaza to change course, as activists say the boats have been intercepted.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) wrote on social media that some of its vessels had been boarded by military personnel after being approached by Israeli ships and that it was working to confirm the status of those aboard.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the navy had told the flotilla to change course as it was approaching an active combat zone. Israel has not yet confirmed it has boarded any vessels.
Israel has previously stated it would not allow the flotilla to reach its destination. An earlier attempt saw activists detained by Israeli forces and taken to shore.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry remarked that the flotilla was informed it was violating a lawful naval blockade that covers the waters next to Gaza - though it is unclear if the boats had entered the blockade zone.
The GSF claimed that multiple ships including the Alma, a main vessel, as well as the Surius and the Adara had been intercepted and boarded.
Before the boarding, it accused the Israeli military of intentionally damaging ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the livestream of their illegal boat boarding.
Several webcams are still livestreaming and show activists aboard the ships. It added that the flotilla was currently 70 nautical miles from Gaza's shoreline.
The GSF expressed hope that its vessels would arrive on Thursday morning.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the GSF flotilla was being intercepted, highlighting that France had ensured the boarding operation would occur under safe conditions.
Italy's foreign minister also indicated that he received assurances from Israel that its armed forces would not employ violence against the approximately 500 people aboard, including Italian politicians and climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Antonio Tajani, the Italian Minister, stated, The boarding was planned, and discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar are ongoing to ensure no violent actions from the Tel Aviv armed forces.
Israel has already blocked two previous attempts by activists to deliver aid to Gaza in June and July.
Earlier, both Italy and Greece urged Israel to guarantee the safety of the activists and confirmed they were closely monitoring the developments.
