Israel said it would deport hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists intercepted while attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, following a largely peaceful overnight operation to halt the flotilla.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed Thursday that all passengers from the roughly 40 vessels were being transported to Ashdod port and would be deported. The group includes Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and several European lawmakers.
All passengers are reported to be in good health following the operation, which began Wednesday night when Israeli naval forces first confronted the flotilla approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast.
The flotilla, which converged in the Mediterranean after departing from ports in Spain, Tunisia, Italy, and Greece, carried more than 500 participants from 47 countries. The mission aimed to establish a sea corridor for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While organizers described the interception as an unlawful abduction, the operation appeared to conclude without serious injuries. Activists reported that some vessels were sprayed with water cannons and skunk water, a foul-smelling crowd control substance.
The incident has drawn international condemnation, with Turkey and Qatar calling for Israel to lift its blockade. Italy confirmed 22 of its citizens were detained and would be voluntarily repatriated or deported in the coming days. The Italian foreign minister noted the boarding occurred peacefully and without violence.
The confrontation comes as Israel faces increasing diplomatic pressure over its Gaza policy. A United Nations commission recently accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, allegations Israel has dismissed as biased and false.
The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths according to local health authorities.
The flotilla incident has sparked protests in several Italian cities, with the country’s largest union calling a general strike for Friday in solidarity with the activists.
