The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the organisers of the attempt to deliver aid to Gaza via the Handala, says the vessel was “violently intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters about forty nautical miles [74km] from Gaza,” Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement, the group said it had lost all communications with the Handala after Israeli forces cut the cameras on board the ship at 11:43pm local time (1:43am PKT on Sunday).

“The unarmed boat was carrying life-saving supplies when it was boarded by Israeli forces, its passengers abducted, and its cargo seized. The interception occurred in international waters outside Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, in violation of international maritime law,” it said.

There were 21 activists from 12 countries on board the Handala.

The ship was carrying humanitarian supplies for starving Palestinians in Gaza, including baby formula, diapers, food and medicine.