Khaberni - Informed sources reported that Israeli naval forces intercepted a fourth ship out of 44 participating in the "Global Resilience Fleet" to break the siege on Gaza after both attacking two ships and arresting those onboard, while participants were arrested including Al Jazeera Live correspondent.
It was reported that the ships intercepted by the Israeli navy were carrying dozens of activists and ordered the fleet to change its course towards the port of Ashdod.
The Israeli Channel 13 reported about the navy's control over 6 ships in the Resilience Fleet so far.
The channel mentioned that the process of taking control over the Resilience Fleet will continue until tomorrow, Thursday.
The Resilience Fleet stated that the situation of the crews and activists on board the ships intercepted by the Israeli navy is unknown, but it announced that Israeli forces arrested the participants on board the ship Seros, including the correspondent of "Al Jazeera Live" Hayat Al-Yamani.
The Israeli Channel 13 reported that the operation of taking control over the Resilience Fleet will continue until tomorrow, Thursday.
It added that the navy has so far gained control over 6 ships of the Resilience Fleet that was heading towards Gaza, noting that after the completion of controlling the fleet's ships, the activists will be deported to their countries.
Prior to that, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said that members of the Israeli naval forces boarded ships participating in the Resilience Fleet and began the operation of taking control over the fleet.
This came shortly after Israeli warships surrounded the Resilience Fleet and communication with its ships was cut off.
Sources previously mentioned that the Resilience Fleet was put on high alert in anticipation of being intercepted, noting that about 20 Israeli warships were spotted approaching the fleet.
Organizers of the international aid fleet to the Gaza Strip previously said that they would continue their journey despite Israeli intimidation maneuvers and calls from European governments urging them to cease advancing.
In international reactions to the interception operations, French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot called on Israel to ensure the safety of participants in the fleet and to provide their right to consular protection.
The French Foreign Ministry also said that France is in contact with Israel to request consular protection for its citizens in the fleet upon their arrival.
In turn, European Parliament member Brendo Benifei told Al Jazeera that the interception of the Resilience Fleet by the Israeli navy is criminal and illegal, and the international community should have provided protection for the fleet.
Benifei demanded that the countries whose flags the Resilience Fleet ships fly should defend it, emphasizing that the Resilience Fleet is important to draw attention to the siege experienced by the Gaza Strip and that intercepting the fleet will increase European anger at Israel.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly denounced the attack carried out by the Israeli navy on the Global Resilience Fleet and described it as a terrorist act.
In the Italian capital, Rome, a protest took place against the interception by the Israeli navy of the Resilience Fleet, noting that a number of Italian citizens participate in this global initiative.
On its part, the Islamic Jihad Movement said it "condemns in the strongest terms the savage aggression launched by the usurping entity on the Resilience Fleet", describing it as maritime piracy and a blatant violation of international and humanitarian conventions. It held "the occupation full responsibility for the safety of the participants in the fleet".
