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Four Italian citizens have been deported from the country after being taken into custody when boats participating in a flotilla carrying humanitarian assistance headed toward Gaza were stopped, according to Israeli foreign ministry.

In excess of 470 individuals were detained, per information from law enforcement authorities. The foreign office announced that authorities were in the process of expelling the remaining individuals.

Maritime Intervention

The expulsions occur as the remaining vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by naval forces on Friday's early hours.

The flotilla organizers labeled Israel's operations as illegal, while Israeli officials described the flotilla's actions as a "provocation".

The interception of the humanitarian mission triggered protests internationally, comprising a commercial shutdown in Italy.

International Waters Incident

The initial boats were intercepted on midweek about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast in open seas and more ships nearer. The nation has been patrolling this area but does not have jurisdiction there.

Israeli officials said its navy had ordered the boats to redirect as they were "heading toward an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade", while the flotilla organizers said the operations were "illegal".

Official Statements

"Thus far the Italian nationals have been expelled. The others are being prepared for expulsion. The nation is keen to complete this operation as rapidly as feasible."

The declaration added that everyone in custody were unharmed and in satisfactory physical state. The convoy leadership has claimed that many activists were assaulted with high-pressure water jets while their ships were boarded.

Notable Participants

The official communication noted the involvement of climate advocate the well-known campaigner on a participating vessel, but did not give additional information on her whereabouts.

"Over 38 hours, Israeli military vessels illegally intercepted all 42 of our ships—each carrying assistance materials, volunteers, and the determination to challenge Israel's restrictive measures on the Palestinian territory."

Final Interception

The coalition stated the remaining of its ships, the participating ship, was unlawfully boarded at the morning hours on the final day of the week, roughly around 50 miles from Gaza in open seas.

"Live streams and communications have been disconnected, and the whereabouts of those involved and ship personnel remains uncertain," the coalition stated.

"This represents an unlawful action on non-military volunteers. We urge state leaders and global organizations to insist on their immediate safety and freedom."

Final Moments

In a live broadcast from the last ship, one passenger was observed holding up a written sign to the lens stating "There's a boat approaching!" moments before 10:00 local time.

About half an hour afterward, a small boat full of security forces wearing military attire came next to the vessel, with a much larger military vessel observable in the background.

Position Details

The most recent positioning on the last ship, via the convoy's tracking website, put it approximately 80 kilometers from the Gaza shoreline at 10:07 - moments before it was boarded.

The largest portion of the vessels involved with the flotilla are not visible on ship tracking sites reviewed by various sources.

Several of the ships boarded on the previous day are now anchored at the government maritime facility, according to location platform data.

Global Reactions

The humanitarian convoy departed for Gaza from Spain at the conclusion of the previous month, with other boats connecting from Tunisia and different departure points afterward, the organization said.

Protests in support of the aid convoy and against the military operations intensified around the world as the vessels approached the region, in countries including the European nation, Italy, Colombia and Argentina.