Israel announced on Thursday that it has begun deporting several pro-Palestinian activists to Europe after intercepting a flotilla of vessels attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza.According to Israeli officials, the navy intercepted the boats in the Mediterranean Sea as they made their way toward the enclave, which has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007.
Authorities described the activists as part of an international coalition seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.Military spokespersons said the vessels were boarded “without incident” and escorted to the port of Ashdod. The activists were then taken into custody and processed for deportation. “They will be flown back to their countries of origin in Europe,” an Israeli official confirmed, noting that none of the passengers would be allowed entry into Israel.
The flotilla initiative, organized by pro-Palestinian solidarity groups, aimed to draw international attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Organizers condemned Israel’s interception, calling it a violation of international law and the right to free navigation.This is not the first time Israel has clashed with pro-Palestinian flotillas. In 2010, a deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish vessel carrying activists and aid, sparked global outrage and strained Israel’s diplomatic ties with Turkey. Since then, Israel has consistently vowed to prevent any unauthorized maritime approach to Gaza, citing security concerns and the risk of weapons smuggling to militant groups.
European governments have yet to issue formal statements on the latest deportations, but rights groups have urged them to intervene, arguing that Israel’s blockade has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.The deported activists are expected to arrive in various European capitals over the coming days.
