Palestinian artists painted a mural representing the Global Steadfastness Flotilla heading to Gaza, in appreciation of the activists aboard, in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza Strip. (AFP)

On Wednesday morning, the Israeli army intercepted boats belonging to a new international aid flotilla heading to Gaza, according to announcements by the Israeli state and the “Global Steadfastness Flotilla” coalition coordinating this initiative to support the besieged and devastated Palestinian sector.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on the X platform that the flotilla made a “futile attempt” to “breach a combat zone,” noting that the army “transferred the ships and passengers to an Israeli port” and that “they will be deported quickly.” Meanwhile, the Global Steadfastness Flotilla announced that the Israeli army intercepted “at least three” of the flotilla’s boats.

The Freedom Flotilla, which seeks to reach Gaza, said its boats were attacked by the Israeli army, with several boats intercepted while sailing on Wednesday towards the besieged Palestinian sector.

The flotilla added on Instagram that the Israeli army was jamming signals and boarded at least two ships.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly condemned the Israeli army on Wednesday after it intercepted several boats carrying aid to Gaza and called for the release of Malaysian activists participating in the flotilla mission.