Israel announces control over 41 ships heading to Gaza with more than 400 people on board

Israeli media reported on Thursday evening that the Israeli Navy carried out a large-scale operation during which it took control of 41 ships that were on their way to the Gaza Strip, with more than 400 people on board, in a move described as a "preemptive security measure".

Hundreds of soldiers from various units participated in the operation, notably the naval commando unit "Shayetet 13", which simultaneously took control of 6 main ships, including the ships "Cyrus" and "Deir Yassin", according to Israeli sources.

Reports confirmed that all the ships are being towed to Ashdod port, noting that none of them will be sunk, amid questions about the fate of the passengers and the entity that was coordinating this maritime journey.

This operation comes amid rising tensions in the region and increasing civil and humanitarian initiatives to break the blockade imposed on Gaza, opening the door to potential international reactions regarding the legality of these measures.