Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres, says the global body’s priority is “avoiding any harm to come to those on board the vessels” that were intercepted by Israel en route to Gaza.

“And we hope that they will be treated fairly and with respect for their rights and their dignity,” Haq told reporters in New York.

He added that the UN wants “all efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to be supported”.

While acknowledging that Israel had raised “security concerns” related to the aid flotilla, Haq said the UN wants “to make sure that all civilians are treated fairly and are not harmed”.