Video: 'If you are watching this, Israel has blocked our aid ship'
The Israeli navy on Sunday seized a ship that was aiming to break the siege of Gaza and deliver supplies of aid and medicine to the coastal enclave, which was devastated by last summer's war.
The Swedish boat, the Marianne, which set off on Friday from Greece, was intercepted by Israeli authorities in international waters and escorted to the Israeli port of Ashdod early on Monday.
Sailors on the mission, known as the Freedom Flotilla, have recorded videos asking for international help, after they say Israel violated international law by intercepting a peaceful vessel.
Three other vessels in the flotilla turned back after the interception of the Marianne, according to reports.
Fears were raised after Israel threatened to take action against the flotilla, which is modelled on an earlier mission that ended in tragedy in 2010 when Israeli forces stormed an aid ship, leading to the deaths of ten activists.
In 2012, volunteers on the second Freedom Flotilla aboard the Estelle were tasered and beaten with clubs by Israeli forces after they boarded the vessel in international waters.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
