Israel’s interception of the Madleen is not without precedent. On May 2, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship Conscience was seriously damaged during a drone attack while carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza. The attack ended its journey.

Israel began deporting detained Gaza aid flotilla activists on Tuesday amid growing international objection to its extensive sea and land blockade that has been grinding Palestinians into deeper famine and bleeding.

The Madleen, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is one of several Gaza-bound vessels intercepted by Israel.

The Foreign Ministry stated that it had been in contact with the crew of the 'Madleen', and had advised the flotilla to change its course.

The group is carrying supplies for Gazan Palestinians and protesting what they say is “Israel’s “illegal, decades-long blockade, and ongoing genocide” in the enclave.