Shortly after 15:00, on 30th June, an Israeli Navy force intercepted, boarded, and took control of the cargo boat ‘Arion,’ which was bearing the flag of Greece and was illegally attempting to enter the Gaza Strip.

The boat departed from Cyprus yesterday. 29th June evening, the Israeli Navy contacted the boat while at sea, clarifying that it would not be permitted to enter Gazan coastal waters because of security risks in the area and the existing naval blockade.

Disregarding all warnings made, the cargo boat entered Gazan coastal waters. As a result of the actions taken by the boat crew, an Israeli Navy force intercepted, boarded, and took control of the boat, directing it towards Ashdod, Israel.

No shots were fired during the boarding of the boat. The boat crew will be handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Humanitarian goods found on board the boat will be transferred to the Gaza Strip, subject to authorization.

The IDF Spokesperson Unit said that any organization or country that wishes to transfer humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, can legally do so via the established crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip with prior coordination.