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Four Italian citizens have been deported from the country after being detained when boats sailing in a humanitarian convoy transporting aid bound for Gaza were boarded, according to Israeli foreign ministry.

Over 470 people were apprehended, per information from law enforcement authorities. The foreign office indicated that officials were in the process of removing the others.

Naval Boarding

The expulsions coincide with the remaining boat of the humanitarian convoy was stopped by government forces on Friday morning.

The convoy leadership labeled the Israeli interceptions as illegal, while Israeli officials characterized the convoy's mission as a "provocation".

The interception of the aid convoy sparked protests around the world, including a general strike in the European nation.

International Waters Confrontation

The primary boats were intercepted on midweek about approximately 130 kilometers away from the Gaza coast in international waters and more ships in proximity. Israel has been patrolling this area but lacks legal authority there.

Israel stated its maritime military had instructed the boats to redirect as they were "moving closer to an active combat zone and breaching a lawful naval blockade", while the convoy representatives asserted the boardings were "against international norms".

Authority Announcements

"Thus far four individuals from Italy have been removed. The others are being prepared for expulsion. The nation is determined to end this procedure as promptly as attainable."

The announcement added that all apprehended individuals were unharmed and in good health. The convoy leadership has stated that several volunteers were struck with water spraying equipment while their ships were stopped.

High-Profile Involvement

The government's communication referenced the participation of Swedish activist the prominent activist on a participating vessel, but offered no specifics on her condition.

"Throughout nearly two days, Israeli military vessels improperly stopped each of the 42 of our vessels—each bearing relief supplies, participants, and the determination to challenge the nation's illegal siege on Gaza."

Concluding Operation

The organization stated the last of its ships, the participating ship, was improperly stopped at mid-morning on Friday, approximately around 50 miles from Gaza in global maritime space.

"Live streams and communications have been disconnected, and the status of individuals aboard and ship personnel is still unknown," the coalition said.

"This constitutes an unlawful action on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to insist on their prompt security and freedom."

Final Moments

In a live broadcast from the final vessel, one passenger was visible holding up a written sign to the recording device reading "A vessel is visible!" moments before 10:00 local time.

Roughly half an hour subsequently, a dinghy occupied by security forces in tactical gear pulled alongside the ship, with a significantly bigger government boat visible in the distance.

Position Details

The most recent information on the Marinette, through the convoy's tracking website, placed it approximately 80 kilometers from the Gaza shoreline at mid-morning - moments before it was taken over.

The largest portion of the ships involved with the flotilla are not visible on ship tracking sites analyzed by different services.

Five of the ships stopped on the previous day are presently moored at the government maritime facility, according to tracking website records.

Worldwide Impact

The aid mission set sail for the Palestinian territory from Spain at the recent period, with other boats connecting from the North African country and other ports later, the GSF said.

Demonstrations in support of the aid convoy and resisting the military operations intensified globally as the ships neared the territory, in countries such as Spain, Italy, the South American nation and Argentina.