Ultimate Vessel of 42-Strong Pro-Palestinian Flotilla Halted by Israeli Military
The final ship of the 42-strong humanitarian flotilla seeking to breach Israel's 16-year naval restriction on Gaza has been halted by Israel's military personnel.
Protest Stoppage and Removal Measures
Per government declarations, procedures are currently in progress to expel the approximately 450 activists currently in custody. Including those detained are four Italy's MPs who are expected to return to their home country on a regular flight.
Last Boat Particulars
Recordings from late Thursday depicted the last boat being operated by half a dozen people, including three Turkey's individuals, a Germany's citizen, and an Omani activist. The Australia's captain of the vessel commented via video call: "We have a group of highly resilient Turkish activists onboard... we're just going to continue in our path."
According to a protest official, the boat had joined the flotilla behind schedule after bad weather obliged it to go back to dock in Barcelona.
Historical Background
This interception marks the closest any unauthorized humanitarian mission has come to the Palestinian shoreline since Israeli authorities enforced its naval embargo in two thousand nine. The ship was stopped when it was approximated to be 42.5 maritime miles from the Gaza's waters.
Past efforts by humanitarian workers to penetrate the sea embargo have been prevented by armed intervention. In twenty ten, ten Turkey's participants were fatally wounded when Israel's commandos boarded the lead ship as it headed an humanitarian fleet toward Gaza.
Further Boat Details
Another ship called the second vessel seemed to have entered into Palestinian coastal area, stationary 9 nautical miles off the coast before being apprehended. Nonetheless, coordinators stated they had lost communication with the boat's team hours before.
"It could be a tracker error or a equipment issue with the tracking," stated a representative. "We will only have certainty after communicating with the personnel, which is impossible right now as they are being detained by Israel's authorities."
Current Circumstances
The detained activists from the mission are being moved to Israel where they will undergo deportation procedures. Multiple activists on this most recent mission, including high-profile participant the Swedish activist, have been earlier held by Israel's officials while seeking to violate the embargo.
Historically, protesters held by Israel have generally not been criminally prosecuted and their participation has been treated as an border control matter rather than a judicial violation.