Israel’s military has intercepted boats traveling with the Global Sumud Flotilla as they worked to bring food and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Leaders of the international aid group say at least 22 of the 58 vessels en route to Gaza were chased down overnight by drones and military speedboats near the Greek island of Crete. Their radar was jammed as Israeli troops carrying assault rifles boarded the ships and ordered participants to their hands and knees. Israeli authorities said they arrested 175 people. Activist Neve O’Connor live-streamed as her ship was intercepted.

Neve O’Connor: “As a flotilla, we have activated all safety protocols, and we are now preparing for interception. If we go silent, this is why: We have been intercepted. Please keep tracking us. Condemn Israel. Condemn anyone that you can to bring us back home safely, and keep an eye on us.”

A spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla condemned Israel’s interception as “a straight-up attack on unarmed civilian boats in international waters” and “kidnapping on the high seas.” Last year Israel carried out similar raids on a previous attempt by the Global Sumud Flotilla to break the siege of Gaza; 440 participants were arrested by Israel, many of whom said they were tortured and abused while in Israeli custody.