Four Italian citizens have been deported from Israel after being detained by authorities during an interception of boats sailing in a flotilla carrying aid bound for Gaza. According to Israel's foreign ministry, more than 470 people were detained, with many others undergoing deportation procedures.
The deportations coincide with the last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) being intercepted by Israeli forces on Friday morning. The GSF claims these interceptions were illegal, while Israel characterized the flotilla’s actions as provocative.
Protests erupted globally in response to the blockage of the flotilla, including a general strike in Italy. The first boats were halted approximately 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast in areas considered international waters, a point contested by Israel, which stated these vessels were approaching a combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade.
Israel’s foreign ministry has asserted that it aims to quickly conclude the deportation process, confirming that all detainees are safe and in good health. However, the GSF reported that many activists were assaulted during the interceptions.
Notably, the presence of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg on one of the boats was acknowledged by the Israeli officials, although their statement gave no further information regarding her situation.
According to the GSF, Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of their vessels, claiming to carry humanitarian aid and unarmed humanitarians determined to break the siege on Gaza. They demand immediate safety and release from governments and international institutions.
The GSF flotilla had departed from Spain at the end of last month, with various boats joining from Tunisia and elsewhere, garnering widespread protests in support across different countries, including Spain, Italy, Colombia, and Argentina.
