Spain summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires in Madrid on Thursday after Israeli naval forces intercepted a flotilla of aid heading to Gaza, according to Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, as reported by AFP.

Albares told the TVE channel, “I summoned today the Israeli chargé d’affaires in Madrid,” adding that 65 Spaniards were aboard the flotilla.

It is worth noting that Israel withdrew its ambassador from Madrid last year after Spain recognized a Palestinian state.

This comes as the Freedom Flotilla announced on Thursday the successful arrival of its first ship, named “Mekino,” to the coastal waters of the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla stated that the ship “Omar Al-Mukhtar” was intercepted by Israeli warboats.

According to the statement, at least 10 ships from the Freedom Flotilla are still sailing and are about 40 nautical miles from Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it will deport all activists who were on board the “Global Freedom Flotilla” ships intercepted by the Israeli navy to Europe.

The ministry’s statement on X platform said, “Hamas-Freedom passengers on their yachts are safely and peacefully on their way to Israel where deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are well and in good health,” following the interception of several aid ships bound for Gaza by the Israeli navy, according to AFP.

Organizers of the international “Freedom Flotilla” announced last night that Israeli naval forces intercepted their maritime convoy in international waters heading to Gaza, carrying food and medicine shipments aimed at breaking the siege on the Strip.

The convoy includes more than 40 civilian boats with about 500 participants, including members of parliaments from several countries, lawyers, and international activists, notably Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.