The activists had set out to protest Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of aid.

The detained crew of the Gaza-bound aid ship that was intercepted by Israel on Monday morning has been taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, according to Israel’s foreign ministry.

Israel says it intercepted the 'selfie yacht' peacefully, offering snacks and water; activists claim abduction while tossing phones into the sea