ISRAEL has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
The flotilla was sailing to Gaza with the aim of delivering much-needed humanitarian aid.
Around 500 activists from 44 different countries – including Scotland – were taking part, making it the largest humanitarian mission of its kind.
At approximately 6.20pm GMT on Wednesday, more than 20 unidentified vessels were spotted approaching the fleet, around 80 nautical miles from Gaza.
Activists reported their communication signals being jammed and a number of boats being surrounded.
Israeli forces then began boarding ships, focusing first on the larger vessels.
CCTV footage from the flotilla showed Israeli ships using water cannons on several vessels, while activists also reported one boat had been "rammed" by an Israeli navy vessel.
As of 2am on Thursday, 13 vessels are understood to have been intercepted.
There are four Scottish participants onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla:
- Jim Hickey, 52, removals driver (Seulle)
- Sid Khan, 48, Scots Asians for Independence vice chair (Adara)
- Margaret Pancetta, 70, veteran pro-Palestine activist (Omar Al Mokhtar)
- Dr Yvonne Ridley, 67, journalist and founding Alba member (Omar Al Mokhtar)
There is also an Edinburgh University student, Mina Moreno, originally from Mexico, sailing on the Shireen vessel, which is carrying legal observers.
At 7.34pm GMT, a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla said: "Our vessels are being illegaly Intercepted.
"Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board."
At the time of writing, 13 ships have been intercepted: Adara, Alma, Aurora, Grande Blue, Hia, Huga, Mali, Morgana, Ohwayla, Otaria, Seulle, Yulara.
Both Sid Khan and James Hickey have been detained by Israel. The status of Margaret Pancetta and Yvonne Ridley is currently unknown.
The Shireen, which was carrying Edinburgh University student Mina Moreno, has turned round and is now heading away from the flotilla.
A spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla said: "Prior to illegally boarding the ships, it appears as though the Israeli naval vessels intentionally damaged ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the live-stream of their illegal boat boarding.
"In addition to the boats confirmed to be intercepted, live-stream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats. We are diligently working to account for all participants and crew. We will share updates as soon as we have confirmed information about the status of boats, detentions, injuries and potential casualties."
The spokesperson added: "This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters. We call on governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the safety and release of all on board and continue to monitor this situation closely.
"Despite interception of a few vessels, the Global Sumud Flotilla is 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline and will continue undeterred."
Emergency protests have been organised in Glasgow and Edinburgh on Thursday in response to the interception.
The UK Government did not provide an official comment regarding the interception when approached by The National.
It is understood the Foreign Office is in contact with the families of several UK nationals taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
