Final Boat of Large Activist Fleet Intercepted by Israel's Military
This final boat of the large aid flotilla seeking to break Israel's 16-year naval embargo on the Gaza Strip has been intercepted by Israel's defense units.
Flotilla Halt and Removal Measures
According to official statements, measures are now underway to deport the around four hundred fifty activists currently in custody. Including those detained are multiple Italy's MPs who are anticipated to return to Italy on a planned aircraft.
Last Boat Information
Recordings from Thursday night showed the last ship being manned by multiple people, including three Turkish citizens, a Germany's participant, and an Oman's participant. The Australia's skipper of the boat declared via live stream: "We have a group of very tough Turkish activists onboard... we're planning to proceed in our direction."
According to a flotilla representative, the boat had entered the flotilla delayed after stormy conditions forced it to return to harbor in the Catalan port.
Previous Context
This stoppage marks the closest any unauthorized relief attempt has advanced to the Gaza territorial waters since Israeli authorities enforced its maritime blockade in two thousand nine. The boat was apprehended when it was estimated to be forty-two point five nautical miles from the Gaza's waters.
Past efforts by activists to penetrate the maritime blockade have been stopped by military action. In 2010, a dozen Turkish activists were killed when Israel's special forces raided the flagship as it spearheaded an aid fleet toward the Gaza Strip.
Additional Vessel Details
Another ship called another participant was reported to have entered into Gaza's territorial waters, waiting nine miles off the beach before being stopped. Nonetheless, coordinators stated they had been unable to reach with the Mikeno crew several hours prior.
"It could be a monitoring glitch or a equipment problem with the tracking," stated a spokesperson. "We will only have verification after speaking with the crew, which is not possible currently as they are being kept by Israeli authorities."
Present Situation
The held crew members from the flotilla are being transported to Israeli territory where they will undergo removal procedures. Several participants on this most recent mission, including well-known participant Greta Thunberg, have been previously held by Israeli forces while attempting to violate the embargo.
Traditionally, activists held by Israel have not been criminally prosecuted and their presence has been handled as an border control matter rather than a judicial offense.