In other news from the region, Israeli forces intercepted two Gaza-bound boats in international waters on Friday to prevent the boats from breaking the blockade on Gaza. The boats made up the Freedom Waves to Gaza flotilla. Israel detained the 27 activists on board as well as all of the journalists, including Democracy Now! correspondent Jihan Hafiz. Many of the journalists and passengers have been released, but Jihan remains in detention. Israel defended its decision to intercept the boats in international waters.

Ari Shalikar, Israeli Army spokesman: “A short while ago, the Israeli navy boarded the two vessels which were on their way to break the maritime security blockade which was imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip. We are talking about a very clear case of provocation, and we maintain our right to defend our borders.”