America News Agency

According to CNN, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) had previously announced that the Israeli army boarded the ship "Madleen" as it was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

At the time of the interception, the ship was in international waters northwest of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

Among those on board were climate activist Greta Thunberg, “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham, and French MEP Rima Hassan.

Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier ordered the army to take all necessary measures to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza.

Shortly after, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on social media that the ship had been turned back and the passengers were ordered to return home.

The FFC stated: “Four-rotor helicopters are surrounding the ship and spraying it with a white paint-like substance. Communications are being jammed and disturbing sounds are heard on the radio.” After losing contact with the ship, the FFC began publishing pre-recorded video messages from Thunberg and others. In her video, Thunberg said: “If you are watching this video, it means we have been seized or kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupation forces or those supporting them.”

Israel had repeatedly vowed to block the aid ship and described it as a “selfie yacht” carrying “celebrities.”

On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “I have instructed the IDF to ensure the Madleen flotilla does not reach Gaza.”

After the detention of the crew, Katz said he ordered videos of Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel to be shown to the activists upon their arrival at Ashdod Port.