🔗 Share this article

News Agency

Four Italian citizens have been removed from Israel after being detained when ships part of a humanitarian convoy carrying aid headed toward Gaza were intercepted, according to Israeli diplomatic authorities.

More than 470 participants were apprehended, according to Israeli police. The ministry stated that officials were in the process of expelling the remaining individuals.

Naval Boarding

The deportations come as the remaining boat of the humanitarian convoy was intercepted by Israeli authorities on Friday morning.

The flotilla organizers described the Israeli actions as unlawful, while Israeli officials characterized the flotilla's activities as a "intentional confrontation".

The stopping of the flotilla triggered demonstrations internationally, including a nationwide work stoppage in the European nation.

Maritime Zone Confrontation

The primary ships were boarded on Wednesday about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza shoreline in global maritime territory and more ships in proximity. The nation has been monitoring this region but lacks jurisdiction there.

Israel stated its maritime military had instructed the vessels to alter direction as they were "heading toward an conflict region and disregarding a official sea restriction", while the convoy representatives maintained the interceptions were "unlawful".

Official Statements

"Currently four Italian citizens have been deported. The remaining individuals are in the process of being deported. Israel is determined to end this procedure as quickly as feasible."

The declaration mentioned that all detainees were safe and in good health. The convoy leadership has claimed that many participants were struck with water cannon while their ships were stopped.

Prominent Figures

The foreign ministry's announcement noted the presence of climate advocate the well-known campaigner on a convoy ship, but offered no specifics on her condition.

"Over 38 hours, Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of our boats—each transporting relief supplies, volunteers, and the commitment to break the nation's illegal siege on the Palestinian territory."

Final Interception

The coalition stated the remaining of its boats, the Marinette, was illegally intercepted at mid-morning on Friday, approximately nearly 80 kilometers from the coastal territory in international waters.

"Video feeds and communications have been disconnected, and the condition of individuals aboard and ship personnel is still unknown," the organization stated.

"This is an illegal attack on non-military volunteers. We call on state leaders and world bodies to demand their immediate safety and release."

Final Moments

In a livestream from the Marinette, one passenger was visible showing a written sign to the lens stating "There's a boat approaching!" shortly prior to the morning hour.

About 30 minutes subsequently, a small boat carrying military personnel in combat equipment pulled alongside the ship, with a significantly bigger government boat visible in the distance.

Location Data

The current positioning on the final vessel, via the convoy's monitoring system, put it approximately 80 kilometers from the Gaza coast at mid-morning - just prior to it was intercepted.

The greater number of the ships sailing as part of the humanitarian mission are not visible on maritime monitoring services analyzed by multiple outlets.

Several of the ships boarded on the previous day are currently moored at the Israeli Ashdod Naval Base, according to location platform information.

Global Reactions

The aid mission departed for Gaza from the European nation at the conclusion of the previous month, with other boats participating from Tunisia and other ports afterward, the coalition stated.

Protests in backing for the aid convoy and opposing the war in Gaza ramped up internationally as the vessels approached the Strip, in nations including the European nation, Italy, Colombia and Argentina.