Ultimate Vessel of 42-Vessel Activist Flotilla Intercepted by Israeli Military
This final ship of the 42-vessel humanitarian flotilla seeking to break Israel's decade-plus naval blockade on Gaza has been intercepted by Israel's military forces.
Mission Interception and Deportation Processes
According to government statements, processes are presently ongoing to deport the around four hundred fifty participants currently in custody. Including those detained are four Italy's parliamentarians who are projected to return to their home country on a planned aircraft.
Final Boat Particulars
Video from Thursday night showed the last vessel being operated by six activists, comprising three Turkey's individuals, a Germany's participant, and an Omani activist. The Australian captain of the ship commented via live stream: "We have a team of extremely determined Turkish participants aboard... we're just going to continue in our direction."
According to a protest spokesperson, the ship had entered the fleet late after inclement weather obliged it to go back to dock in the Catalan port.
Previous Background
This stoppage represents the closest any unsanctioned relief mission has gotten to the Gaza shoreline since Israeli authorities enforced its sea embargo in two thousand nine. The vessel was stopped when it was approximated to be forty-two point five maritime miles from the shoreline.
Past attempts by protesters to penetrate the naval restriction have been prevented by military action. In twenty ten, a dozen Turkish participants were lost their lives when Israel's commandos raided the flagship as it led an relief mission toward the Gaza Strip.
Further Ship Details
An additional sailing boat named the second vessel was reported to have ventured into Palestinian coastal area, stationary 9 miles off the beach before being stopped. Nonetheless, coordinators stated they had lost communication with the Mikeno team some time prior.
"It could be a location malfunction or a equipment issue with the surveillance," commented a spokesperson. "We will only have certainty after speaking with the team, which is not possible right now as they are being held by Israel's officials."
Present Circumstances
The apprehended activists from the fleet are being moved to Israeli territory where they will undergo deportation procedures. Multiple activists on this latest attempt, such as well-known figure Greta Thunberg, have been earlier apprehended by Israel's forces while seeking to violate the restriction.
In the past, activists held by Israel have typically not been faced legal charges and their participation has been handled as an entry issue rather than a criminal offense.