The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Madleen’s crew is being taken to Israel after Israeli commandos seized the vessel in international waters. The Madleen ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was close to 100 miles [160km] from Gaza when it was stopped. The ship was carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians starving because of Israel’s siege. Israel’s most recent total blockade began on March 2, and has only partially lifted under mounting international pressure.