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2h ago

U.S. Citizens From Gaza Aid Flotilla Set for Imminent Deportation After Israeli Interceptions

Families urge U.S. intervention after reports of abuse that Israel disputes.

"We were gifted the flag that made it to Gaza on the flotilla in 2008," Logan Hollarsmith, captain of the boat Ohwayla, wrote to his mother Sidney Hollar. Hollarsmith was on board with his crew members. Hollarsmith was wearing sunglasses and standing to the right of the flag. Photo courtesy to Sidney Hollar.
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Overview

  • U.S. Embassy contacts told relatives that 18 Americans, including boat captain Logan Hollarsmith, are being involuntarily deported within about 24 hours with destinations not yet disclosed.
  • Israel has already deported 171 detainees to Greece and Slovakia, a group that officials said included Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
  • Hundreds were detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla at sea last week, with organizers and a California lawmakers’ letter saying vessels were boarded far from shore.
  • Lawyers report detainees held at Ketziot prison faced withheld necessities and irregular legal hearings, allegations the Israeli Foreign Ministry rejects as false.
  • Rep. Ro Khanna and other California officials urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure the release and safe return of 21 U.S. citizens, as the State Department labeled the flotilla a deliberate provocation and said most Americans should be released in days.