Other activists on multiple flotilla vessels are also being detained as the Israeli navy boards several ships. The Israeli Foreign Ministry statement indicated that passengers from intercepted vessels are being “safely stopped” and transferred to the Israeli port of Ashdod for processing. Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessels in the Mediterranean and transferred the passengers to Israeli territory for identification and processing. Among those on board were Mortágua and Aparício, who joined the initiative in solidarity with Palestinians and to advocate for humanitarian access. Mariana Mortágua, a leading figure of the Portuguese Left Bloc party, has long been vocal on human rights and international solidarity issues.