Israeli navy intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) have been stopped in the Mediterranean Sea as they approached Gaza shores, and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in the statement that Israel has offered and continues to offer the flotilla a way to deliver any aid they might have to Gaza "peacefully." "The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation," the statement reads.

It added that the Israeli navy has reached out to the flotilla and asked them to change course. "Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade," the ministry said.