According to a report published by The Times of Israel, citing organizers of the flotilla, the Israeli Navy has taken control of 15 vessels out of a total of 58.
The report states that “15 ships have been intercepted, and the fate and location of those on board are currently unknown.”
Organizers also claim that contact has been lost with several other vessels, leaving crews unable to send coordination or distress signals.
It is noted that the interception operation took place near the island of Crete, Greece.
The Israeli Navy has called on the remaining participants of the mission to turn back and has proposed that humanitarian aid be delivered instead to the port of Ashdod, where it would be inspected before being sent to Gaza.
The Navy also warned that continued attempts to proceed with the route could result in the interception of additional vessels.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced sanctions against organizations funding the pro-Palestinian flotilla expected to attempt breaking the Gaza blockade this weekend.
