Israeli Prison Authority left Israel Sunday , was due to arrive in Gaza on Sunday . three ships -- three passenger and three cargo vessels -- were carrying over 10,000 tons of aid . Gaza government described the flotilla as a `` provocation '' and said it was a political stunt . Accounts differ as to what happened after Israel forces boarded the ship .
Flotilla left Cyprus Sunday , was due to arrive in Gaza on Monday . Six ships -- three passenger and three cargo vessels -- were carrying over 10,000 tons of aid . Israel government described the flotilla as a `` provocation '' and said it was a political stunt . Accounts differ as to what happened after Israel forces boarded the ship .