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Four Italian citizens have been expelled by Israel after being apprehended when ships part of a flotilla delivering aid destined for Gaza were stopped, according to Israeli diplomatic authorities.

More than 470 individuals were taken into custody, as reported by Israeli police. The ministry stated that officials were currently removing the remaining individuals.

Naval Boarding

The deportations coincide with the remaining vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by naval forces on the morning of Friday.

The flotilla organizers called the Israeli actions as illegal, while Israel described the flotilla's mission as a "deliberate challenge".

The interception of the flotilla sparked rallies globally, including a nationwide work stoppage in Italy.

Open Seas Incident

The first boats were intercepted on midweek about around 80 miles off the Palestinian shoreline in global maritime territory and more ships nearer. The nation has been policing this region but does not have jurisdiction there.

Israel claimed its navy had instructed the vessels to redirect as they were "moving closer to an active combat zone and disregarding a legal maritime closure", while the convoy representatives maintained the operations were "unlawful".

Government Comments

"Currently the Italian nationals have been deported. The remaining individuals are in the process of being deported. Israel is eager to conclude this operation as quickly as possible."

The statement added that all detainees were safe and in satisfactory physical state. The GSF has alleged that many participants were struck with water cannon while their ships were stopped.

High-Profile Involvement

The foreign ministry's statement mentioned the presence of climate advocate the prominent activist on one of the boats, but provided no additional information on her condition.

"Over nearly two days, Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of our ships—each transporting humanitarian aid, participants, and the determination to challenge Israel's unlawful blockade on Gaza."

Concluding Operation

The organization stated the final of its boats, the Marinette, was illegally intercepted at the morning hours on Friday, about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza in international waters.

"Real-time broadcasts and communications have been terminated, and the status of individuals aboard and ship personnel remains uncertain," the organization stated.

"This constitutes an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release."

Final Moments

In a live broadcast from the Marinette, one passenger was visible showing a piece of paper to the recording device reading "There's a boat approaching!" shortly prior to mid-morning.

Roughly a short time later, a small boat full of security forces equipped with combat equipment approached the Marinette, with a much larger naval ship visible in the distance.

Position Details

The most recent information on the Marinette, using the flotilla's monitoring system, located it approximately 80 kilometers from the Palestinian shoreline at 10:07 - just prior to it was taken over.

The majority of the boats sailing as part of the aid convoy are unobservable on vessel location platforms analyzed by multiple outlets.

Several of the boats intercepted on the previous day are presently moored at the military port, according to monitoring service data.

Worldwide Impact

The aid mission departed for Gaza from Spain at the recent period, with additional vessels connecting from Tunisia and different departure points afterward, the GSF reported.

Rallies in solidarity with the flotilla and resisting the war in Gaza intensified globally as the boats approached the region, in nations such as the European nation, Italy, Colombia and Argentina.