Israel intercepts Gaza-bound flotilla [AFP=Yonhap News]

Israel has taken a firm stance regarding the interception operation of a flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, which included passengers with Korean nationality on their passports, stating that no humanitarian aid supplies were found on board and characterizing the action as a "provocation."

It also emphasized that the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip complies with international law.

The Israeli Embassy in Seoul stated in a press release on the 21st, "We emphasize that the flotilla was not of a humanitarian nature and that no humanitarian aid materials of any kind were discovered on the participating vessels."

It further described the incident as "a provocation aimed at attacking Israel and diverting it from its mission of fighting terrorism."

Regarding the legality of the flotilla's interception, the embassy stated, "Israel is implementing a lawful maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law and for legitimate military purposes."

It explained, "The authority to intercept vessels in international waters stems from the laws of naval warfare, as specified in international documents such as the San Remo Manual. The laws of naval warfare establish the right to intercept vessels attempting to violate a blockade in international waters, regardless of their distance from the blockaded area."

It added, "Considering the size and scale of the flotilla and the risk of escalating tensions, timely measures consistent with international law were necessary to effectively enforce the lawful maritime blockade."

Israel recently intercepted activists from a humanitarian aid flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip, and it was reported that two individuals with Korean nationality on their passports were detained during this process.

Israeli authorities had previously deported the Korean nationals to a third country after taking them to Israel.