(MENAFN) Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Wednesday that the Italian embassy and consulate in Tel Aviv have been vigilantly observing the Israeli navy’s blockade of a new flotilla heading to Gaza since early morning.

"About ten Italians have been detained. They will be provided with all necessary consular assistance, along with a request to the Israeli government to ensure respect for individual rights until the moment of expulsion," Tajani stated on the US social media platform X.

He also mentioned that "The Foreign Ministry’s crisis unit (Farnesina) is also at work," emphasizing the ongoing efforts to manage the situation.

The Israeli Navy intercepted all nine vessels of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC)’s Thousand Madleens to Gaza early Wednesday in international waters, approximately 120 nautical miles (222 kilometers) from the Gaza Strip, according to the humanitarian organization.

The flotilla was transporting aid valued at over $110,000 USD, consisting of medicines, respiratory devices, and nutritional provisions intended for hospitals in Gaza.

Approximately 100 individuals were reportedly aboard the convoy, aiming to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the passengers have been taken to an Israeli port and are expected to be deported "promptly."

Since its inception in 2010, the FFC has launched numerous missions designed to deliver aid and raise global awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the Israel-blockaded Gaza Strip.

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