🔗 Share this article Final Vessel of 42-Strong Palestinian-Supporting Naval Mission Intercepted by Israel's Military The last vessel of the 42-vessel aid flotilla trying to breach Israel's decade-plus maritime restriction on Gaza has been stopped by Israel's defense forces. Protest Interception and Deportation Measures Based on government declarations, measures are presently underway to deport the approximately 450 participants currently in holding. Including those apprehended are multiple Italian MPs who are anticipated to be repatriated to their home country on a planned aircraft. Final Boat Information Recordings from the previous evening revealed the remaining vessel being operated by half a dozen individuals, including several Turkey's nationals, a German participant, and an Omani participant. The Australia's captain of the ship stated via live stream: "We have a team of highly resilient Turkish crew with us... we're just going to persist in our path." As stated by a flotilla official, the vessel had become part of the flotilla late after stormy conditions obliged it to head back to harbor in Barcelona. Past Context The interception marks the closest any unauthorized humanitarian mission has come to the Gaza shoreline since Israeli authorities enforced its naval blockade in two thousand nine. The ship was intercepted when it was estimated to be forty-two point five nautical miles from the coast. Previous endeavors by protesters to break the sea restriction have been stopped by armed intervention. In twenty ten, ten Turkish activists were fatally wounded when Israel's commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara as it headed an humanitarian mission toward the Gaza Strip. Additional Boat Information An additional sailing boat named another participant seemed to have entered into Palestinian coastal area, waiting several miles off the beach before being apprehended. Nevertheless, coordinators indicated they had lost contact with the boat's personnel some time before. "It could be a location error or a system issue with the surveillance," commented a official. "We will only have confirmation after communicating with the crew, which is not possible at present as they are being kept by Israeli officials." Present Situation All apprehended crew members from the fleet are being transported to Israel where they will be subject to expulsion proceedings. Some activists on this latest mission, such as high-profile activist the environmental campaigner, have been earlier held by Israeli officials while attempting to violate the restriction. Traditionally, protesters apprehended by Israel have generally not been faced legal charges and their participation has been handled as an immigration issue rather than a criminal violation.