By Michael Howie

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Greta Thunberg is among a group of Palestine activists facing deportation from Israel after a flotilla of vessels sailing towards was intercepted by the Israeli navy.

The Global Sumud Flotilla – with Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, and several European legislators aboard – consists of more than boats and 500 activists and is carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid.

The Sirius, Alma and Adara boats were intercepted some 70 nautical miles (80 miles) from the coast of Gaza, according to organisers who shared live positions of the flotilla.

In an update just before dawn on Thursday, organisers said 19 of 43 boats had been intercepted and the remaining vessels would keep sailing toward Gaza.

Shortly afterwards Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted pictures of some of activists – including Thunberg – on board the vessels after their were intercepted by the navy forces.

“Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health,” it said.

An Irish senator is among those “detained” by Israel from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla, according to Sinn Fein.

The party said Chris Andrews had been on board a boat called the Spectre which was intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Egypt.

Several activists posted videos on social media in which they said Israeli naval vessels were approaching the flotilla and ordering them to turn their engines off.

While still in international waters, it is an area where the Israeli navy has stopped other boats attempting to break its blockade in the past and which the flotilla has been warned not to cross.

Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris earlier expressed concern at reports around the flotilla.

“I am keeping in close contact with my officials who are working on the ground and have also spoken with EU counterparts on the Global Sumud Flotilla,” he said in a post on the social media network X.

“Tonight’s reports are very concerning. This is a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe.

“Ireland expects international law to be upheld and all those on board the flotilla to be treated in strict accordance with it.”

In a statement, Sinn Fein said that speaking earlier Mr Andrews emphasised the flotilla is a “purely humanitarian and non-violent mission carrying food and aid to a starving population”.

“The Irish Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs urgently need to act to ensure that my fellow Irish participants and I are not mistreated while in Israeli captivity,” he said.

“I want to thank my family, friends and comrades who have supported this flotilla, and I am looking forward to continuing my activism for freedom and justice when I am able to return home.”