VIDEO: 'Israel' detains 400 activists from Sumud Flotilla; only one boat still en route to Gaza

An 'Israeli' official confirmed on Thursday that the navy had detained more than 400 pro-Palestinian activists who were aboard 41 vessels making up the Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid to Gaza.

“In an operation that lasted about 12 hours, Israeli naval forces thwarted a large-scale attempt by hundreds of people aboard 41 vessels who declared their intention to breach the legal maritime security blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip,” the official said.

“At the end of the operation, more than 400 participants were safely transferred to the port of Ashdod, where they are being questioned by Israeli police,” the official added.

Netanyahu Praises 'Israeli' Navy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the naval forces for intercepting the aid convoy.

“I commend the soldiers and officers of the navy who carried out their mission during Yom Kippur with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency,” Netanyahu said in a statement carried by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“Their important efforts prevented dozens of boats from entering the combat zone and thwarted attempts to delegitimize Israel,” he added.

'Israel' faced international condemnation and protests on Thursday after its forces intercepted more than 40 boats carrying aid and over 400 foreign activists en route to the Gaza Strip.

'Israel' announced that it would deport all activists who were aboard the Sumud Flotilla intercepted by the navy.

In a statement, the 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry said: “None of the provocative yachts belonging to Hamas-Resilience succeeded in entering an active combat zone or breaking the legal maritime blockade.”

It added: “Only one vessel from this provocative flotilla remains at a distance, and if it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and break the blockade will also be repelled.”

The ministry noted that “the passengers of the Hamas-Resilience yachts are on their way safely to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health.”

The flotilla’s organizers denounced what they described as an “illegal attack on unarmed aid workers” and urged “governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the safety of everyone on board and their release.” Amnesty International also condemned the 'Israeli' action as an “act of intimidation.”