Israel intercepts over 20 Gaza-bound aid ships, activists detained

A Global Sumud Flotilla has set sail for Gaza, a conflict-hit region in the Middle East. The Israeli navy intercepted over 20 vessels from the international aid flotilla off the coast of Crete, detaining dozens of activists. The Israeli military enforced the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip for security reasons, citing instructions from Israel's political leadership. Activists reported being approached by speedboats with soldiers pointing lasers and weapons, and communications were disrupted.