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The final boat of the 42-vessel aid flotilla trying to penetrate the Israeli 16-year maritime restriction on the Gaza Strip has been stopped by Israeli defense units.

Protest Stoppage and Deportation Processes

According to official statements, procedures are currently underway to remove the about 450 participants currently in custody. Within those held are four Italy's MPs who are expected to go back to their home country on a planned aircraft.

Final Vessel Information

Video from Thursday night depicted the last boat being manned by multiple activists, including several Turkish nationals, a German national, and an Omani crew member. The Australia's skipper of the boat commented via video call: "We have a team of very tough Turkey's participants with us... we're planning to continue in our path."

According to a flotilla representative, the vessel had joined the flotilla delayed after bad weather obliged it to return to dock in the Catalan port.

Previous Background

The halt signifies the closest any unauthorized aid effort has gotten to the Gaza Strip territorial waters since Israel established its maritime restriction in 2009. The ship was stopped when it was approximated to be 42.5 sea miles from the shoreline.

Previous endeavors by protesters to breach the naval restriction have been halted by force. In 2010, a dozen Turkish activists were fatally wounded when Israeli special forces raided the lead ship as it spearheaded an aid fleet toward the Gaza Strip.

Other Vessel Particulars

A second ship identified as the second vessel seemed to have crossed into Gaza's coastal area, stationary 9 maritime miles off the coast before being stopped. Nevertheless, organizers indicated they had been unable to reach with the boat's team some time prior.

"It could be a monitoring error or a equipment issue with the surveillance," commented a spokesperson. "We will only have certainty after making contact with the team, which is impossible right now as they are being detained by Israeli forces."

Present Situation

All apprehended participants from the mission are being moved to Israel where they will be subject to removal processes. Several participants on this latest flotilla, including prominent activist the Swedish activist, have been before held by Israel's forces while trying to breach the embargo.

In the past, protesters held by Israeli authorities have generally not been faced legal charges and their involvement has been considered as an entry issue rather than a legal violation.