Israel’s navy intercepted an activist flotilla in international waters off Cyprus on Monday, halting the latest attempt to challenge a naval blockade of Gaza.

The operation took place over 167 kilometers from Cyprus' shoreline, and Cypriot authorities were not informed by Israel of their intention to intercept the flotilla.

More than 50 vessels departed from Marmaris, Turkey, last week as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s journey to Gaza.

Israeli forces boarded the boats in broad daylight, marking a shift from previous interceptions that often took place at night.

The blockade has been in place since 2007, with critics arguing it amounts to collective punishment.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the soldiers for thwarting what he called a 'malicious plan.' The flotilla organizers expect activists to be taken to Ashdod port in Israel.

Several countries, including Italy, Indonesia, and Spain, have raised concerns over the detention of their nationals aboard the flotilla.

Turkey and Hamas condemned Israel’s actions as piracy, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan describing it as 'piracy and banditry' carried out with a 'fascist mentality.' The last successful attempt by activists to reach Gaza was in 2008.

Despite a ceasefire following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, conditions in Gaza remain dire, with severe shortages of housing, food, and medicine affecting around two million residents.

Israeli authorities have been criticized for claiming that sufficient aid enters Gaza daily, similar to prewar levels, while also maintaining a blockade.