Contact lost as Israeli naval forces board Gaza-bound ship Madleen in international waters

Israeli naval forces boarded the Madleen, a Gaza-bound aid ship, late Sunday in international waters, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which said that communication with the vessel has been lost.

Live footage earlier showed Israeli boats surrounding the ship, with soldiers ordering activists onboard to raise their hands.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the navy instructed the Madleen to change its course due to its approach toward what it called a “restricted area.”

The Madleen, carrying 12 international activists and humanitarian supplies, departed from Sicily on June 1 as part of a civil society effort to challenge the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza.