A flotilla carrying international aid to Gaza reported a tense encounter on Wednesday, stating that several unidentified vessels approached its boats during the night, some without navigation lights.

According to a statement posted on Telegram by the Global Sumud Flotilla, the unknown vessels have since moved away, but the incident prompted the aid mission to activate its security protocols amid fears of a potential interception.

Earlier in the day, flotilla organizers noted an uptick in drone activity overhead as the convoy sailed closer to its destination.

“We have now entered the high-risk zone , the area where previous flotillas have faced attacks or interceptions,” the group said.

The flotilla is part of a broader international effort to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian supplies directly to the besieged enclave.

On Wednesday, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that the Israeli military is preparing to “take control” of the flotilla with naval commandos and warships. Israel wont tow all 50 vessels however and will sink some at sea, Kan said.

Israel intends to detain hundreds of activists on naval ships, question them then deport them via the port of Ashdod.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain on August 31, is the largest maritime mission to Gaza to date. It brings together more than 50 ships and delegations from at least 44 countries, as part of an international effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.

So, is Israel entitled to board ships that are in international waters? The answer is no, here’s how territorial and international waters work.