The Flotilla Freedom Coalition claimed that Israeli troops intercepted and boarded the boat in international waters, while video footage purportedly showed the activists with their hands up as several armed soldiers took control of the ship, according to a report published by the BBC.

According to Channel 12, those on the flotilla reported seeing a drone circling above them as vessels approached the ship. The Israeli Navy intercepted the Handala flotilla while approaching the Gaza Strip,

Israeli forces intercepted the 'Handala,' a vessel from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aiming to breach Gaza's maritime blockade. The boat, carrying 19 activists and journalists, was seized in international waters and escorted to Ashdod Port.