This last boat of the 42-vessel humanitarian flotilla trying to break Israel's decade-plus naval embargo on Gaza has been intercepted by Israel's military personnel.
Protest Interception and Removal Procedures
Per government declarations, procedures are now underway to expel the approximately 450 activists currently in detention. Within those held are four Italian parliamentarians who are anticipated to go back to their home country on a regular flight.
Last Vessel Information
Video from Thursday night showed the last boat being manned by multiple individuals, comprising three Turkish nationals, a Germany's participant, and an Omani crew member. The Australia's captain of the ship commented via video call: "We have a team of extremely determined Turkey's crew onboard... we're intending to proceed in our path."
As stated by a flotilla official, the vessel had joined the flotilla late after bad weather forced it to go back to port in Barcelona.
Previous Background
The halt signifies the most proximate any unauthorized aid mission has advanced to the Palestinian territorial waters since Israeli authorities established its sea restriction in 2009. The ship was stopped when it was calculated to be 42.5 sea miles from the shoreline.
Previous efforts by activists to penetrate the naval embargo have been halted by military action. In 2010, a dozen Turkey's participants were lost their lives when Israeli military units raided the flagship as it led an relief flotilla toward Gaza.
Additional Ship Particulars
Another ship named the second vessel was reported to have entered into Gaza Strip's maritime zone, waiting 9 nautical miles off the shoreline before being stopped. Nevertheless, leaders mentioned they had lost contact with the vessel's team several hours prior.
"It could be a location error or a equipment difficulty with the tracking," remarked a spokesperson. "We will only have confirmation after making contact with the personnel, which is impossible at present as they are being detained by Israeli authorities."
Current Status
The apprehended participants from the fleet are being moved to Israel where they will be subject to removal processes. Multiple participants on this latest flotilla, such as well-known participant the Swedish activist, have been previously apprehended by Israeli forces while trying to violate the blockade.
In the past, participants apprehended by Israel have not been faced legal charges and their presence has been treated as an immigration issue rather than a criminal infraction.
