The Israeli Navy has intercepted the Women’s Boat to Gaza about 35 nautical miles from the coast of the besieged Strip, Haaretz newspaper reported.

“According to a high-ranking officer, passengers on board the Zaytouna-Olivia offered no resistance when the troops took over the boat. The boat was redirected to the Israeli port city of Ashdod,” the paper said.

Women’s boat to Gaza has released pre-recorded SOS messages by activists on board, as communication has been lost with the Zaytouna boat suggesting it has been intercepted by the Israeli Navy.

https://youtu.be/Ws8Nwchs1j0

Earlier today, the group behind the flotilla released a public statement which said:

“We as signatories are deeply concerned that these peaceful women activists on board the Zaytouna and their non-violent mission to break the illegal Israeli blockade, face such an unprovoked and unwarranted threat. The WBG is a solidarity mission to occupied Gaza and has no intention of entering Israel illegally.”

https://youtu.be/nq0ncJrs624

Going on to warn of the possibility of violent assault by Israeli forces:

“This humanitarian mission is in danger of being attacked, unless the international community, including the ANC-led government, steps in to prevent Israel from carrying out such crimes against humanity, crimes which it frequently commits with complete impunity.”

(MEMO, PC)