An Israeli court has rejected an appeal challenging the extended detention of activists who participated in a Gaza-bound flotilla, according to reports from legal sources familiar with the case.

The ruling allows Israeli authorities to continue holding the activists, who were detained after their vessel attempted to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. The court's decision came after defense attorneys argued that the extended detention was disproportionate and violated their clients' rights.

The activists were part of an international effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea, a mission that Israeli authorities have consistently intercepted citing security concerns. Israeli naval forces reportedly boarded the vessel in international waters and diverted it to an Israeli port, where the passengers were taken into custody.

Legal representatives for the detainees expressed disappointment with the court's decision, stating they would consider further legal options. They maintained that their clients were engaged in legitimate humanitarian work and posed no security threat to Israel.

The Israeli government has defended the detention, with security officials stating that all vessels attempting to reach Gaza by sea must be inspected to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials that could be used by militant groups in the territory. Authorities have repeatedly offered to transfer any humanitarian supplies through official channels after security screening.

International human rights organizations have criticized both the extended detention and Israel's interception of aid vessels in international waters, calling for the activists' immediate release. However, Israeli officials maintain that such actions are necessary to enforce the blockade, which they describe as a legitimate security measure.

Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since 2007, following Hamas's takeover of the territory. The blockade, supported by Egypt, restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of the coastal enclave. While Israel argues the blockade is essential to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas and other militant groups, critics contend it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's civilian population. Previous flotilla attempts have resulted in deadly confrontations, most notably in 2010 when an Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara resulted in the deaths of ten activists.