Israeli navy intercepts 2 Gaza-bound ships

Israels military says the navy has boarded two protest boats on their way to Gaza to try to break Israels blockade of the Palestinian territory.The military says it will tow the boats to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The military says the boats were attempting to break the maritime security blockade that is in place in accordance with international law. It says Fridays takeover was peaceful.Israel says its blockade is vital to stop weapons reaching the Iran-backed Hamas militants who control Gaza. Critics say it amounts to collective punishment.Israel has invited the activists to send aid over land. It considers the boats a publicity stunt and provocation. A botched Israeli raid on a flotilla in 2010 ended with nine Turkish activists killed.