Israel's defence minister says climate protester Greta Thunberg and others on board are "Hamas propaganda spokespeople".

The attempt to block the flotilla carrying the famed climate activist comes 15 years after a similar aid effort ended in deadly violence.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is supporting armed groups of Palestinians in Gaza in what it says is a move to counter Hamas. But officials from the U.N. and aid organizations say the military is allowing them to loot food and other supplies from their trucks.