Last Boat of Large Activist Flotilla Halted by Israeli Navy
This final vessel of the large humanitarian flotilla seeking to break Israel's longstanding sea restriction on the Gaza Strip has been intercepted by Israel's naval units.
Flotilla Halt and Deportation Measures
According to government statements, procedures are now underway to expel the around 450 activists currently in detention. Among those detained are four Italy's lawmakers who are projected to be repatriated to their home country on a scheduled aircraft.
Remaining Boat Details
Footage from late Thursday revealed the last vessel being operated by half a dozen people, comprising three Turkey's nationals, a Germany's citizen, and an Omani activist. The Australian commander of the ship declared via live stream: "We have a team of extremely determined Turkish crew aboard... we're just going to continue in our direction."
As stated by a flotilla official, the ship had become part of the mission behind schedule after stormy conditions obliged it to return to harbor in Barcelona.
Previous Precedent
The interception represents the most proximate any unauthorized aid effort has gotten to the Gaza Strip coast since Israel imposed its sea embargo in 2009. The ship was stopped when it was estimated to be 42.5 sea miles from the shoreline.
Past attempts by activists to penetrate the maritime restriction have been prevented by armed intervention. In twenty ten, 10 Turkish humanitarians were fatally wounded when Israel's commandos stormed the lead ship as it led an aid flotilla toward the Gaza Strip.
Further Boat Details
A second sailing boat named the second vessel seemed to have crossed into Palestinian maritime zone, stationary nine maritime miles off the coast before being intercepted. However, organizers indicated they had lost communication with the boat's team hours before.
"It could be a monitoring malfunction or a system problem with the tracking," stated a representative. "We will only have verification after making contact with the crew, which is unfeasible right now as they are being kept by Israeli officials."
Present Circumstances
The held participants from the mission are being taken to Israeli territory where they will face removal processes. Multiple participants on this most recent mission, including well-known participant the Swedish activist, have been before detained by Israel's forces while trying to violate the restriction.
In the past, participants held by Israel have not been faced legal charges and their participation has been considered as an immigration issue rather than a legal offense.
