Israel, accused by activists of piracy, says it lawfully seized a Gaza-bound protest ship carrying Greta Thunberg as the crew was planning to breach its naval blockade.

Israel says it intercepted the 'selfie yacht' peacefully, offering snacks and water; activists claim abduction while tossing phones into the sea

An earlier attempt by the Freedom Flotilla to sail to Gaza on another aid boat, the Conscience, ended on May 2 when Israeli drones bombed the boat after it left port in Malta. The activists aboard were evacuated unharmed, but the 12-person crew was left stranded at sea on the disabled boat for two more weeks before reaching safety.

The group, called the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, were aiming to get to Gaza carrying flour, rice, baby formula, and other basic supplies.

Greta Thunberg was on a flight to France en route home to Sweden after being deported from Israel a day after the Gaza-bound aid yacht she was on board was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters.

Shortly after their arrests, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition posted prerecorded videos of the crew calling on Israel to release them.

Madleen was stopped by Israel on its way to Gaza. What happens to Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan and other activists now?

IDF's Shayetet 13 takes flotilla to Port of Ashdod • Freedom Flotilla Coalition says it was attacked by drones