The Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted on its way to Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces, an official tweet from the organisation says.

“In a violent raid in international waters, Israeli naval forces have intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled various boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla,” the tweet said.

Earlier on Thursday morning, the organisation reported on Telegram the boats were “approached by military speedboats, self-identified as ‘israel’, pointing lasers and semi-automatic weapons”.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also confirmed the interception in a tweet.

“Another provocative flotilla was stopped before reaching our area,” Mr Danon tweeted.Jane Salmon, the flotilla’s Australian delegation media liaison, said six Australians were participating in the voyage.

She said 21 boats had been intercepted. Link