Israel says 175 activists seized from Gaza-bound flotilla and taken to Israel

Israel's foreign ministry said troops seized around 175 activists onboard 20 ships bound for Gaza.

"Approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats... are now making their way peacefully to Israel," the ministry said in a statement posted on X.

The post included a video with a caption that read: "the activists enjoying themselves aboard Israeli vessels".

The Gaza Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said that, as of 04:30 GMT, at least 22 boats had been "stormed by Israeli forces in complete violation of international law".

"This is piracy. This is the unlawful seizure of human beings on the open sea near Crete, an assertion that Israel can operate with total impunity, far beyond its own borders, with no consequences," the GSF said.