🔗 Share this article

News Agency

Four Italian citizens have been removed from the country after being taken into custody when vessels participating in a humanitarian convoy carrying aid headed toward Gaza were intercepted, according to the nation's diplomatic authorities.

In excess of 470 people were apprehended, according to Israeli police. The foreign office stated that authorities were currently expelling the remaining individuals.

Maritime Intervention

The expulsions coincide with the final boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla was boarded by government forces on Friday's early hours.

The flotilla organizers described Israel's actions as unlawful, while Israel portrayed the convoy's actions as a "provocation".

The blocking of the flotilla triggered rallies internationally, comprising a nationwide work stoppage in the European nation.

Open Seas Operation

The first boats were boarded on Wednesday about approximately 130 kilometers off the Palestinian shoreline in open seas and more ships closer. The nation has been policing this area but lacks legal authority there.

Israeli officials said its naval forces had ordered the vessels to alter direction as they were "heading toward an active combat zone and violating a official sea restriction", while the flotilla organizers said the boardings were "against international norms".

Official Statements

"Thus far four individuals from Italy have been deported. The rest are in the process of being deported. Israel is keen to complete this process as quickly as feasible."

The statement mentioned that everyone in custody were unharmed and in good health. The flotilla organization has claimed that several activists were targeted with water spraying equipment while their boats were boarded.

High-Profile Involvement

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

"During an extended period, Israeli military vessels unlawfully boarded the complete set of 42 of our vessels—each bearing assistance materials, participants, and the determination to challenge the nation's unlawful blockade on the Palestinian territory."

Concluding Operation

The group said the final of its boats, the participating ship, was unlawfully boarded at the morning hours on the final day of the week, about nearly 80 kilometers from Gaza in open seas.

"Video feeds and communications have been disconnected, and the condition of participants and crew is still unconfirmed," the GSF announced.

"This constitutes an improper operation on non-military volunteers. We appeal to state leaders and global organizations to demand their immediate safety and liberation."

Last Communications

In a livestream from the final vessel, one passenger was observed holding up a message to the lens reading "A vessel is visible!" moments before the morning hour.

Approximately 30 minutes afterward, a dinghy occupied by military personnel equipped with tactical gear pulled alongside the ship, with a significantly bigger military vessel observable in the distance.

Tracking Information

The latest information on the final vessel, through the convoy's monitoring system, located it approximately 80 kilometers from the Gaza shoreline at 10:07 - moments before it was taken over.

The largest portion of the vessels sailing as part of the aid convoy are unobservable on maritime monitoring services examined by different services.

Several of the boats boarded on Thursday are currently moored at the government maritime facility, according to monitoring service records.

Global Reactions

The aid mission set sail for the Palestinian territory from the European nation at the end of last month, with other boats participating from the North African country and additional locations afterward, the coalition said.

Protests in backing for the humanitarian mission and resisting the conflict in the territory intensified around the world as the boats came closer to the territory, in countries comprising the European nation, Italy, Colombia and the Latin American country.