Organizers of the “Global Sumud” aid flotilla to Gaza say the Israeli navy has intercepted the last of its boats. The final vessel, named Marinette, was stopped on Friday approximately 42 nautical miles from the Gaza coast.
This marks the interception of all 42 vessels in the flotilla, which carried activists, politicians, and humanitarian supplies in an attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The Israeli government stated it had detained over 470 participants, with deportation processes underway for many.
The flotilla’s interception sparked protests worldwide, including a general strike in Italy. Among those detained were more than 20 journalists, prompting condemnation from media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.
Israel maintains the blockade is a necessary security measure and praised its navy for preventing the flotilla from reaching a “war zone.” The incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN has warned of famine.
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