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Four Italian citizens have been expelled by the country after being apprehended when ships participating in a flotilla transporting humanitarian assistance bound for Gaza were stopped, according to the nation's foreign ministry.

In excess of 470 individuals were detained, per information from Israeli police. The ministry stated that authorities were currently removing the remaining individuals.

Naval Boarding

The deportations come as the last boat of the humanitarian convoy was stopped by Israeli authorities on the morning of Friday.

The GSF labeled the Israeli operations as illegal, while Israel characterized the flotilla's mission as a "deliberate challenge".

The blocking of the humanitarian mission ignited protests internationally, including a general strike in Italy.

International Waters Operation

The primary ships were boarded on midweek about approximately 130 kilometers off the Palestinian shoreline in global maritime territory and others closer. Israel has been policing this area but has no jurisdiction there.

Israel stated its naval forces had instructed the vessels to alter direction as they were "heading toward an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade", while the convoy representatives said the interceptions were "against international norms".

Government Comments

"Already four Italian citizens have been expelled. The rest are in the process of being deported. Israel is determined to conclude this process as rapidly as possible."

The statement added that everyone in custody were unharmed and in satisfactory physical state. The flotilla organization has claimed that numerous volunteers were targeted with water spraying equipment while their ships were boarded.

High-Profile Involvement

The government's statement noted the involvement of climate advocate the prominent activist on a convoy ship, but offered no additional information on her whereabouts.

"During 38 hours, Israeli occupation naval forces unlawfully boarded all 42 of our boats—each carrying assistance materials, activists, and the commitment to overcome Israel's unlawful blockade on Gaza."

Final Interception

The organization stated the remaining of its boats, the participating ship, was illegally intercepted at mid-morning on the final day of the week, about around 50 miles from Gaza in global maritime space.

"Video feeds and contact methods have been terminated, and the condition of individuals aboard and crew continues to be unknown," the GSF announced.

"This constitutes an illegal attack on non-military volunteers. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their swift protection and liberation."

Last Communications

In a real-time video from the final vessel, one passenger was visible holding up a piece of paper to the recording device reading "There's a boat approaching!" shortly prior to 10:00 local time.

Roughly a short time subsequently, a naval craft carrying armed troops equipped with military attire pulled alongside the vessel, with a much larger government boat discernible in the background.

Position Details

The most recent positioning on the Marinette, using the mission's location service, located it 43 nautical miles from the Palestinian shoreline at 10:07 - shortly before it was boarded.

The majority of the boats sailing as part of the humanitarian mission are unobservable on maritime monitoring services reviewed by multiple outlets.

Five of the boats stopped on the previous day are currently docked at the government maritime facility, according to location platform information.

International Response

The humanitarian convoy set sail for Gaza from Spain at the end of last month, with other boats participating from the North African country and other ports later, the coalition stated.

Rallies in backing for the flotilla and opposing the war in Gaza ramped up globally as the vessels came closer to the territory, in nations comprising the European nation, Italy, the South American nation and the Latin American country.