🔗 Share this article

The last vessel of the 42-vessel humanitarian flotilla attempting to penetrate the Israeli decade-plus naval restriction on the Gaza Strip has been intercepted by Israel's defense forces.

Protest Halt and Deportation Procedures

Per official announcements, procedures are now in progress to deport the around four hundred fifty activists currently in detention. Within those held are multiple Italian parliamentarians who are expected to go back to their home country on a planned commercial flight.

Remaining Boat Details

Footage from late Thursday revealed the remaining boat being operated by multiple people, including multiple Turkish individuals, a Germany's national, and an Omani participant. The Australian commander of the vessel commented via live stream: "We have a group of extremely determined Turkish activists with us... we're intending to proceed in our path."

Per a flotilla representative, the ship had become part of the flotilla delayed after inclement weather forced it to go back to port in Barcelona.

Previous Precedent

This interception signifies the closest any unapproved humanitarian mission has advanced to the Gaza Strip coast since Israel imposed its naval blockade in two thousand nine. The ship was stopped when it was approximated to be 42.5 sea miles from the coast.

Earlier attempts by protesters to break the sea restriction have been stopped by military action. In twenty ten, ten Turkish activists were killed when Israeli special forces stormed the lead ship as it headed an relief mission toward the Gaza Strip.

Further Ship Details

Another ship called another participant seemed to have ventured into Palestinian territorial waters, waiting nine miles off the coast before being apprehended. Nevertheless, organizers mentioned they had lost contact with the Mikeno personnel hours earlier.

"It could be a monitoring glitch or a system problem with the monitoring," stated a representative. "We will only have verification after making contact with the team, which is not possible currently as they are being held by Israeli officials."

Present Circumstances

The apprehended activists from the flotilla are being moved to Israeli territory where they will be subject to expulsion proceedings. Several participants on this current mission, including well-known figure the Swedish activist, have been previously apprehended by Israeli authorities while attempting to breach the blockade.

In the past, protesters apprehended by Israel have not been criminally prosecuted and their presence has been considered as an entry issue rather than a judicial violation.