Four Italian citizens have been deported from Israel after they were detained by Israeli authorities when boats sailing in a flotilla carrying aid bound for Gaza were intercepted, Israel's foreign ministry has said.
More than 470 people were detained, according to Israeli police. The ministry stated that authorities were in the process of deporting the remaining activists.
The deportations follow the interception of the last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) early Friday morning. The GSF called Israel's actions illegal, while Israel described the flotilla's activities as a 'provocation'.
This blockade has led to protests worldwide, including a general strike in Italy.
The first boats were intercepted approximately 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast within international waters. Although Israel polices this area, it does not have jurisdiction there.
According to Israeli sources, the navy warned the flotilla vessels to change course due to their proximity to an active combat zone and the violation of a lawful naval blockade. However, the GSF claimed these interceptions were unjustified.
Currently, four Italian citizens are confirmed deported, with others still undergoing the deportation process. In its statement, the Israeli foreign ministry assured that all detainees are safe and their health is not at risk. Nonetheless, the GSF alleges that many activists faced violence during the interceptions.
The presence of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg aboard one of the vessels was highlighted in Israel's statement, although no further updates regarding her condition have been given.
The flotilla set sail from Spain and was joined by boats from other locations, aiming to deliver aid and protest against Israel's blockade of Gaza.
The situation is still developing, as numerous boats remain unaccounted for and protests continue globally in support of the GSF and against the ongoing war in Gaza.
