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Israel Intercepts Final Gaza Aid Boat and Starts Deporting Flotilla Activists

Global protests grow over organizers’ claims of illegal seizures in international waters.

Overview

  • Israeli forces seized all 42 vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained roughly 450 people, with the last boat, the Marinette, intercepted about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza.
  • Israel says detainees are safe and deportations have begun, including at least four Italians, as activists are processed in Ashdod before removal.
  • Those held include Greta Thunberg, South African lawmaker Mandla Mandela and several European legislators, while one support vessel returned to Cyprus.
  • Large demonstrations rolled out across Europe, Latin America and Asia, including a nationwide strike in Italy, as Colombia expelled Israeli diplomats and Turkey condemned the interceptions.
  • Flotilla organizers call the operation illegal, report water cannons, drone harassment and jamming, and say a separate, smaller convoy has set sail toward Gaza in a renewed effort.