Nine Italians were among the activists taking part in a new flotilla seeking to take aid to Gaza that has been intercepted by Israeli forces, the mission’s coordinator said on Wednesday.

“On board the mission intercepted by Israel are nine Italians,” Freedom Flotilla Italy coordinator Zaher Darwish said.

“Six of them were on the boat Conscience.

“We haven’t had any more contact with them since the boarding (by the Israeli forces).

“We have already alerted the Adalah international legal team, which has already reached port.

“The lawyers are waiting for their arrival to try to give legal assistance.

“We are also contacting the Italian legal team and the organizers of the events in the various cities scheduled for today”.

The Israeli foreign ministry said via X that “another vain attempt to violate the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing.

“The ships and passengers were transferred to an Israeli port,” it continued.

“All are safe and sound and in good health.

“They are expected to be expelled promptly”.

There were 45 Italians, including four lawmakers, in the Global Sumud Flotilla that was intercepted by Israel last week.