Seoul: A South Korean activist is believed to have been detained by the Israeli Navy following an attack and interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud aid flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to Anadolu Agency, which cited a civic group advocating for Palestinian liberation, the Kyriakos X vessel carrying activist Kim Dong-hyeon was intercepted late Monday Seoul time near Cyprus.

The group reported that Kim is believed to be held aboard an Israeli warship alongside other international activists. Despite a travel ban imposed by the South Korean government on the Palestinian enclave, Kim had departed earlier this month for the Gaza Strip. Another activist, Kim Ah-hyun, is reportedly on a nearby vessel that the group warned might also face seizure. She was previously detained by Israeli forces during an attempt to enter Gaza in October and subsequently released.

The flotilla, comprising over 50 boats, embarked Thursday from the Turkish Mediterranean district of Marmaris in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007. Organizers stated that 426 people were participating in the mission, including 96 Turkish activists and participants from 39 other countries such as Germany, the US, Argentina, Australia, and others.

Israeli forces had also attacked the Global Sumud aid flotilla off the coast of the Greek island of Crete overnight between April 29 and April 30.