Israeli Army Announces Control Over “Freedom Flotilla” Heading to Gaza

Israeli authorities announced today, Wednesday, that naval forces have taken control of nine boats and ships belonging to the so-called Turkish “Freedom Flotilla,” which was en route to the Gaza Strip aiming to break the maritime blockade imposed on the territory.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that the ships were towed to the port of Ashdod in southern Israel, noting that all passengers are “in good health and safety” and will be immediately deported to their home countries.

The Israeli army explained that the operation lasted about 40 minutes and involved eight yachts and a 68-meter-long tourist ship named Conscience, which carried around one hundred foreign activists. The statement added that the forces “repeatedly called on the ships to change course and stay away from the blockade zone, but the participants refused, necessitating military intervention.”

Reuters quoted Israeli sources saying the operation was carried out without injuries, and that special documentation equipment was used. Female personnel trained in handling civilians also participated in the operation.