Israel says no vessels on Gaza flotilla breached its blockade

Israel has said that none of the vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid had broken through its blockade of the territory.

"None of the Hamas-Sumud provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade," the foreign ministry said in a statement, falsely linking the flotilla with Hamas. 

Israel's air, land and sea blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has lasted over 17 years, is illegal under international law.

Earlier on Thursday, the vessel Mikeno was tracked approaching Gaza, however it lost communication with organisers at 08:21 UTC.

"One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented."

The Marinette vessel is still in contact with organisers and heading towards the enclave. It is one of the ships furthest away from Gaza, and will likely be intercepted once it approaches.