Final Ship of 42-Strong Pro-Palestinian Flotilla Intercepted by Israel's Military
The remaining ship of the 42-strong humanitarian flotilla trying to breach the Israeli 16-year sea blockade on the Gaza Strip has been halted by Israel's defense units.
Mission Stoppage and Removal Processes
Based on official declarations, procedures are currently in progress to remove the approximately 450 participants currently in holding. Including those apprehended are multiple Italian lawmakers who are projected to go back to Italy on a scheduled commercial flight.
Last Ship Details
Recordings from late Thursday showed the final vessel being crewed by half a dozen people, comprising several Turkish citizens, a Germany's participant, and an Omani crew member. The Australia's skipper of the boat commented via digital communication: "We have a group of very tough Turkish crew aboard... we're planning to continue in our course."
According to a protest spokesperson, the ship had joined the mission behind schedule after inclement weather compelled it to go back to dock in the Spanish city.
Past Background
This interception represents the most proximate any unapproved aid mission has come to the Gaza territorial waters since Israeli authorities established its sea restriction in 2009. The ship was intercepted when it was approximated to be forty-two point five nautical miles from the Gaza's waters.
Earlier attempts by humanitarian workers to breach the naval embargo have been halted by military action. In 2010, ten Turkey's activists were killed when Israel's commandos boarded the flagship as it spearheaded an relief flotilla toward Gaza.
Further Vessel Particulars
An additional ship named the second vessel seemed to have ventured into Gaza's territorial waters, idling nine nautical miles off the beach before being stopped. Nonetheless, organizers mentioned they had lost communication with the boat's team some time earlier.
"It could be a tracker malfunction or a technical difficulty with the surveillance," stated a official. "We will only have confirmation after speaking with the crew, which is impossible right now as they are being held by Israel's authorities."
Current Status
All held participants from the flotilla are being transported to Israeli territory where they will undergo removal proceedings. Some activists on this current flotilla, featuring well-known activist the environmental campaigner, have been before held by Israeli authorities while trying to break the embargo.
Historically, protesters apprehended by Israeli authorities have generally not been criminally prosecuted and their participation has been treated as an immigration issue rather than a legal violation.