Israel Intercepts Final Gaza Aid Flotilla Vessel, Activists Detained and Facing Deportation

Israeli forces have successfully intercepted the last remaining vessel of the 42-strong Global Sumud Flotilla, which sought to breach the 16-year maritime blockade on Gaza. The Polish-flagged sailing boat, Marinette, was halted in the early hours of Friday morning, bringing an end to the humanitarian mission that included approximately 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, notably Greta Thunberg.

According to the Israeli foreign ministry, procedures are now underway to deport the estimated 450 participants taken into custody. Among those expected to return home are four Italian Members of Parliament. Footage from Thursday night showed the Marinette crewed by six individuals, including three Turkish citizens, a German, and an Omani, who had continued their journey despite earlier Israeli claims of having stopped the flotilla.

Remarkably, the Marinette managed to reach within 42.5 nautical miles of the Gaza coast – the closest an unauthorized humanitarian mission has come since Israel imposed its naval blockade in 2009. Flotilla spokesperson Hannah Claire Smith noted that the vessel’s late departure due to bad weather might have contributed to its surprising proximity to Gaza. While another sailing boat, Mikeno, also appeared to enter Gaza’s territorial waters, its status remains unconfirmed as organizers lost contact with its crew.

Historically, activists detained in similar attempts have not faced criminal prosecution but have been treated as immigration matters, leading to deportation. This incident follows past attempts, including a 2010 event where 10 Turkish activists were killed by Israeli commandos during a raid on the Mavi Marmara ship.

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