“Israeli authorities have begun detaining hundreds of activists seized from a Gaza-bound flotilla at the southern port of Ashdod on Wednesday, a rights group said, after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels at sea. The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Turkey last week in the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory, after Israeli forces intercepted a previous convoy last month. Israeli authorities said 430 activists aboard the flotilla were en route to Israel, while rights group Adalah said some had already arrived at Ashdod port and were being held there. 'Having set sail toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the unlawful blockade, these civilian participants were forcefully abducted from international waters and taken into Israeli territory entirely against their will,' Adalah said. 'These acts are a direct extension of Israel's policies of collective punishment and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.' Around 50 ships had departed from southwestern Turkey on Thursday. Nine Indonesian citizens who were part of the flotilla 'have all been reported arrested by Israel,' a spokeswoman for Indonesia's foreign ministry said, citing information dated Wednesday. Indonesia called on Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew members, adding that 'every diplomatic channel and consular measure will continue to be fully utilised'.Indonesian newspaper Republika earlier said two of its journalists were among the nine Indonesians detained. Turkey and Spain have condemned the interception. Organisers said the flotilla also included 15 Irish citizens, including Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly.
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