GAZA, May 29, 2018 (WAFA) – Israeli army gunboats Tuesday intercepted a boat carrying Palestinians who attempted to break the 11-year-blockade of the Gaza strip.

According to participants, the boat was headed to Limassol, Cyprus, and was part of a small flotilla comprised of three boats in total.

The two other boats did not breach the naval blockade line enforced by Israel, which is nine miles off the coast of Gaza. However, one boat did and was intercepted by Israel.

The Israeli army detained the 17 individuals who were onboard the freedom boat, who were mainly university students, but also included cancer patients and protesters wounded during the Great March of Return and seeking medical care outside of the besieged Gaza Strip.

The boat was intercepted and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod near Gaza.

The Israeli navy also detained a number of journalists who were onboard a fishing boat to accompany and cover the attempt.

T.R./M.H.