Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said its fleet was boarded in what it called another illegal, high-seas aggression about 250 nautical miles (460km) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli maritime blockade. Its video stream showed commandos climbing onto several boats.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid was effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete.
In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, all but two of whom were released on the Greek island the next day following widespread international condemnation.
Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Ávila were taken back to Israel for questioning and deported after spending 10 days in custody.
The flotilla's remaining boats then sailed to the Turkish port of Marmaris, where 54 boats departed last Thursday and headed south-east towards Gaza. More than 460 activists from 45 countries were said to be taking part.
Just after 10:30 in Cyprus (07:30 GMT) on Monday, live video broadcast on the GSF's website showed commandos on a raiding craft approaching a sailboat, then boarding it as the passengers raised their hands.
Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and [Israeli] forces are boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight, the GSF's organisers said in a statement.
On Monday afternoon, the organisers announced that Israeli forces had so far intercepted 16 vessels in the flotilla.
Turkey's foreign ministry condemned the intervention by Israeli forces in international waters... which constitutes a new act of piracy.
Hamas official Basem Naim accused Israel of state terrorism and systematic undermining of the entire international order, according to AFP news agency.
The GSF said the activists on board were carrying food, baby formula and medical aid for Palestinians in Gaza, where living conditions are dire and most of the 2.1 million population is displaced, despite the ceasefire agreed by Israel and Hamas last October.
Access to basic services remained limited, with inconsistent availability of clean water and impaired waste management systems that could not meaningfully address public health concerns, including those linked to pests and rodents.
