The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports that the ship, with 21 activists on board, including Australian journalist Tan Safi and activist Robert Martin, was intercepted in international waters around 40 nautical miles from Gaza.

Two Australians were on board the boat, Handala, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy. Credit: Supplied

SBS News has not been able to independently verify the vessel’s location at the interception point.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed the two Australians were on the boat.

Robert Martin is one of the two Australians who were on board the Handala as it sailed towards Gaza. Source: Getty / Anadolu

In a social media post prior to the boat being intercepted, Martin said the group’s aim was to deliver aid to Palestinians.