Greta Thunberg among activists detained as Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla

South Africa and Turkey have criticised the incident in international waters. Israel says those on board are safe.

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Israel's Foreign Ministry said those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were being transferred to an Israeli port to be deported.

The first boats were stopped about 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast in international waters and others closer. Israel has been policing this area but does not have jurisdiction there.

Israel said its navy told the boats to change course as they were "approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade", while the GSF described the interceptions as "illegal".

The group said Israel's response was "not an act of defence", but "a brazen act of desperation".