This happened in Israeli waters yesterday. McKinney in crew were apparently going by boat on a mission to bring humanitarian aid. A group called the Free Gaza Movement sent the boat from Cyprus to carry aid into the Gaza strip.

A photo of the ship’s contents sent by McKinney on June 27 to a person only identified as Brother Gregoire on the Mormon Worker appears below.

The photo, according to text on the Mormon Worker, is of “what we Anglophones call Portland Cement. It is neither a weapon, an explosive nor an intoxicant. Mixed with local sand, gravel and water, it forms concrete, and is useful in repairing buildings and bridges that have been destroyed wholesale by the Israeli Defense Forces during their illegal occupation and bombardment of Palestine.”

Along with the cement, according to the Zen Haitian, are suitcases full of toys, crayons and coloring books for Gaza children.

The Israeli Navy, who captured the boat carrying McKinney and others, claims through spokesperson from the Israeli Defense Force that they:

…contacted the boat while it was still at sea and warned the crew they would not be allowed to enter Gazan waters “because of security risks in the area and the existing naval blockade.”

Speaking through the Free Gaza group, McKinney said “This is an outrageous violation of international law against us. Our boat was not in Israeli waters, and we were on a human rights mission to the Gaza Strip.”

All passengers aboard the ship have had their cell phones confiscated. As of 9:24 this morning (July 1st) no further word has been heard from McKinney or other hostages since their cell phones were confiscated on yesterday, June 30.

The Israeli Defense forces claim that any forces who wish to bring aid to Gaza can do so, as long as the aid is brought through “the established crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip with prior coordination.”

The Free Gaza Movement has launched at least eight of these missions, with the first five going through to Gaza without interception.

Also on board and presumably being held hostage is Nobel Peace Prize winner Miread Corrigan-Maguire.

From Another Green World is this full list of passengers being held hostage on the Spirit of Humanity:

Khalad Abdelkader, Bahrain
Khalad is an engineer representing the Islamic Charitable Association
of Bahrain.
Othman Abufalah, Jordan
Othman is a world-renowned journalist with al-Jazeera TV.
Khaled Al-Shenoo, Bahrain
Khaled is a lecturer with the University of Bahrain.
Mansour Al-Abi, Yemen
Mansour is a cameraman with Al-Jazeera TV.
Fatima Al-Attawi, Bahrain
Fatima is a relief worker and community activist from Bahrain.
Juhaina Alqaed, Bahrain
Juhaina is a journalist & human rights activist.
Huwaida Arraf, US
Huwaida is the Chair of the Free Gaza Movement and delegation co-
coordinator for this voyage.
Ishmahil Blagrove, UK
Ishmahil is a Jamaican-born journalist, documentary film maker and
founder of the Rice & Peas film production company. His documentaries
focus on international struggles for social justice.
Kaltham Ghloom, Bahrain
Kaltham is a community activist.
Derek Graham, Ireland
Derek Graham is an electrician, Free Gaza organizer, and first mate
aboard the Spirit of Humanity.
Alex Harrison, UK
Alex is a solidarity worker from Britain. She is traveling to Gaza to
do long-term human rights monitoring.
Denis Healey, UK
Denis is Captain of the Spirit of Humanity. This will be his fifth
voyage to Gaza.
Fathi Jaouadi, UK
Fathi is a British journalist, Free Gaza organizer, and delegation co-
coordinator for this voyage.
Mairead Maguire, Ireland
Mairead is a Nobel laureate and renowned peace activist.
Lubna Masarwa, Palestine/Israel
Lubna is a Palestinian human rights activist and Free Gaza organizer.
Theresa McDermott, Scotland
Theresa is a solidarity worker from Scotland. She is traveling to Gaza
to do long-term human rights monitoring.
Cynthia McKinney, US
Cynthia McKinney is an outspoken advocate for human rights and social
justice issues, as well as a former U.S. congressperson and
presidential candidate.
Adnan Mormesh, UK
Adnan is a solidarity worker from Britain. He is traveling to Gaza to
do long-term human rights monitoring.
Adam Qvist, Denmark
Adam is a solidarity worker from Denmark. He is traveling to Gaza to
do human rights monitoring.
Adam Shapiro, US
Adam is an American documentary film maker and human rights activist.
Kathy Sheetz, US
Kathy is a nurse and film maker, traveling to Gaza to do human rights
monitoring.

In addition, Another Green World lists numbers and email address of who to call and email to pursue release of these passengers. I would also suggest contacting the US State Department at 202-647-4000 and perhaps even the White House at 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 in regards to this situation and freeing the passengers.