Israel intercepts another Gaza aid flotilla: Soldier climbs mast, tries to destroy camera - watch

Israel on Wednesday intercepted another nine-boat flotilla with scores of activists attempting to provide aid to Gaza amid naval blockade.This comes just two days after Israel deported 171 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg were arrested last week while participating in a similar aid attempt.Cameras on the vessels, one large passenger ship and eight smaller sailboats, captured the events live. Fast-moving Israeli ships approached the boats, and troops boarded them, after which the broadcast was cut. Activists also reported an Israeli helicopter flying overhead. Israel said the 145 activists were in good health and were being brought to shore for processing before being deported. "Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing," the Foreign Ministry wrote on X, while the organisers called the detention "arbitrary and unlawful."The flotilla, intercepted 120 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, was carrying food and medical aid and included doctors, four members of the European Parliament, and lawmakers from Turkey, Denmark, France and Belgium. The flotilla's website shows there were also two Israeli citizens on board.Six activists from Norway, Morocco and Spain arrested by Israel earlier remain detained in Israel. The activists arrested the last time complained of mistreatment, claims Israel denies.The flotillas to Gaza come amid growing criticism of Israel’s conduct, as its offensive against Hamas has destroyed large areas and killed tens of thousands. Israel has imposed varying levels of blockade on the Gaza Strip since Hamas took control in 2007, citing security concerns.