Israeli naval forces intercepted vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Levant on Monday morning, in an operation carried out off the coast of Cyprus.

The flotilla, carrying activists and aid bound for the Gaza Strip, was attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies when Israeli commandos boarded at least one of the ships.

Video shared online shows personnel boarding vessels at sea while communications from parts of the convoy were disrupted.

The ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ said in a statement that “two warships were spotted around the boats in the Mediterranean” and added that “we lost contact with 23 boats of the flotilla, which was attacked by the Israeli army in international waters”.

Organisers said earlier they had been warned by Israel to alter course.

They reported being told that they “must change course and return immediately”, a message issued ahead of the interception operation.

Israeli authorities have previously described similar flotilla missions as publicity exercises and have said organisers were asked to transfer any humanitarian cargo through official channels for inspection and delivery.

Officials argue this is necessary under the system controlling imports into the Gaza Strip.

In the latest operation, Israeli sources and reports cited in regional media said arrests were carried out at sea, with claims that around 100 people were detained and would be transferred to the port of Ashdod for processing.

These figures have not been independently verified by the flotilla organisers.

The interception comes amid continuing enforcement of the maritime blockade on Gaza, which Israel says is required for security reasons.

The flotilla organisers say the mission is a civilian-led attempt to deliver aid directly and challenge restrictions they describe as unlawful.

Footage circulating from the area shows naval vessels and boarding activity taking place at sea, with some communications from participating boats reportedly cut during the operation.

Organisers said contact with multiple vessels had been lost during the approach by Israeli forces.