Israeli warships have surrounded the French ship that is on its way to besieged Gaza.

Israeli warships have surrounded the French ship that is on its way to the besieged Gaza strip.

According to AFP, French ship, Al-Karama (Dignity), has been surrounded since morning by at least three Zionist navy ships while still in international waters, around 40 miles off Gaza’s shore, cutting off any possible communication with the humanitarian activists on board.

The Israeli side confirmed the incident in a statement it issued, reassuring that "the Israeli navy has notified Al-Karama that it is on its way to an area under a maritime security blockade off the coast of Gaza, and reminded them that any supplies they have on board may be legally transferred.”

AFP quoted activists spokesperson in Paris Julien Rivoire as saying: “We call on the French government to take its responsibilities and to protect the passengers, and to call on Israel not resort to violence."

Before losing connection with the activists on board, they were sending updated messages via internet, informing about the situation.

One message read in French: “We're cleaning ourselves up a little bit before arriving. Morale here is like the sky and sea - very good.”

Zionist Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon warned Monday of intercepting the ship as it is breaching the international maritime law.

However, AFP quoted a French activist on board, Thomas Sommer-Houdeville, as saying that “this ship was only carrying a symbolic message of peace and hope and love, and Israel had no reason to intercept it… we don't have a plan, but we have a peaceful humanitarian mission.”

“We are a peaceful boat flying a French flag," the activist added.