Israel will not allow Global Sumud Flotilla to break its Gaza blockade, says Israel 

Israel said on Monday that it would not allow the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza to break its blockade of the Palestinian territory, news agency AFP reported. 

"Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the vessels would be allowed to dock at Ashkelon from where the aid could be delivered to Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, also carrying prominent pro-Palestinian advocates including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, set sail for Gaza earlier this month from Tunisia after repeated delays.

The flotilla aims to break Israel's siege of Gaza and deliver aid to the territory. The crew has said that two of its boats were targeted by drone attacks.

Israel blocked two earlier attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea in June and July.

Foreign ministers of 16 countries have expressed concern about the safety of the flotilla headed to Gaza, and warned against “unlawful or violent” acts against it. A joint statement was signed by Turkey; Spain; Bangladesh; Brazil; Colombia; Indonesia; Ireland; Libya; Malaysia; the Maldives; Mexico; Pakistan; Qatar; Oman; Slovenia; and South Africa.