Israel deported four Italian activists who were part of an aid flotilla headed to Gaza, marking the first group to be removed following the interception of the final boat, which concluded the mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla embarked on its journey last month, carrying politicians and activists, including prominent figure Greta Thunberg, aimed at addressing the famine crisis in Gaza as reported by the United Nations.
The Israeli navy initiated the interception of the boats on Wednesday, with an Israeli official confirming the prevention of over 400 individuals from reaching the Gaza Strip the next day. Israel’s foreign ministry announced the deportation of the four Italian activists from the flotilla, stating that the remaining participants are also undergoing deportation procedures.
Israeli authorities disclosed that more than 470 individuals from the flotilla were detained by the military police, subjected to thorough screenings, and transferred to the prison administration. It was previously indicated that none of the vessels had breached Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.
The last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla, named Marinette, was intercepted approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza, according to the organizers. They alleged that Israeli naval forces unlawfully intercepted all 42 vessels, each carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers with the intention of challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Among those detained were over 20 journalists, including representatives from El Pais, Al Jazeera, and RAI, as reported by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The interception of the final boat coincided with a general strike in Italy, with over 200,000 people protesting against the treatment of the flotilla.
Protests erupted globally, with demonstrations in Barcelona, the United States, United Kingdom, Colombia, Spain, Germany, and Turkey. Israel has labeled some activists, including Greta Thunberg, as antisemitic, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the navy’s interception actions.
Meanwhile, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) announced that 11 additional ships are en route to challenge the Israeli blockade, with two boats departing from Italy and joining forces with others to form an 11-ship convoy heading towards Gaza. The coalition aims to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by the prolonged blockade and recent restrictions on essential supplies.