Extract from ABC News
BREAKING
Greta Thunberg was among those on the flotilla of ships headed for Gaza. (Reuters: Stefanos Rapanis)
The fleet of pro-Palestinian activist boats attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza have been intercepted by the Israeli navy.
The activists on board the flotilla reported seeing Israeli naval vessels about 8pm, local time, when they were around 70 to 80 nautical miles west of Gaza, before troops began boarding some of the 49 vessels in the convoy.
The boat carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was the first to be boarded.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a video showing a junior naval officer speaking to the flotilla via radio, instructing vessels to change course from Gaza and head to Ashdod port.
Israel offered to offload the symbolic shipments of aid carried by the flotilla and deliver them to Gaza.
The flotilla vessels responded by saying Israel's naval blockade was illegal and they would continue to Gaza.
Activists on board the boats reported Israel naval vessels shining bright lights and spraying water on their decks prior to sending boarding parties.
The activists are expected to be detained then taken to Ashdod, where they will be told to sign deportation orders and flown out of the country.
Those who don't will likely appear before an Israel tribunal before being deported.
The flotilla was carrying small quantities of aid and said its intention was to break Israel's siege of Gaza and highlight the plight of Palestinians.
Israel maintains its blockade is legal and alleged the activist organisations have links to the militant group Hamas, something they vehemently deny.
ABC/wires
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