The detained crew of the Gaza-bound aid ship that was intercepted by Israel on Monday morning was taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod Monday evening, according to Israel’s foreign ministry.

Israeli forces have boarded a charity vessel attempting to reach the Gaza Strip in defiance of an Israeli naval blockade, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said early on June 9.

Katz said the blockade was essential to Israel's national security as it seeks to eliminate Hamas.