JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s Navy intercepted a ship bound for Egypt that the military says was smuggling weapons for use by terror organizations in the Gaza Strip.
The Liberian-flagged cargo ship "Victoria" was seized on Tuesday, in the Mediterranean Sea 200 miles west of Israel.
"The various weaponry on-board the vessel was intended for the use of terror organizations operating in the Gaza Strip," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement
There were "tons" of concealed weapons, Haaretz reported, citing the IDF. The crew did not appear to be aware of the weapons stash, according to reports.
The German-owned ship had left from Turkey’s Mersin Port and was headed for Egypt’s Alexandria Port; it originated in Syria. Turkey is not tied to the incident, the IDF said.
The Navy brought the ship in to Israel’s port at Ashdod for further inspection; there was no resistance from the crew, according to the IDF.
Israel has seized ships carrying weapons to Gaza in the past. In 2003, the Israeli military seized the Karine A, which was carrying 50 tons of missiles, mortars, rifles and ammunition to the Gaza Strip.
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