Israel has begun deporting hundreds of international activists who were detained after attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza, according to a legal advocacy organisation assisting participants in the flotilla operation.
The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, known as Adalah, said the detained activists are being transferred to a civilian airport near Eilat for deportation proceedings. The group also noted that at least one participant, Israeli citizen Zohar Regev, is facing court proceedings in Ashkelon over charges related to illegal entry and unlawful stay.
The developments follow a large-scale interception of a flotilla involving approximately 430 detainees, which Israeli authorities say was aimed at preventing a breach of the long-standing naval blockade on Gaza. The activists involved came from multiple countries and were part of an international campaign challenging restrictions on maritime access to the territory.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the expedited deportation of the detainees, stating that they should be removed “as soon as possible” after criticising remarks and actions linked to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s position that the flotilla was politically motivated and aligned with hostile organisations.
The situation has triggered diplomatic reactions from several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal, which summoned Israeli envoys over concerns regarding the treatment of detainees. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described certain conduct toward the activists as unacceptable, while additional criticism was voiced by Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Indonesia.
While Israeli authorities maintain that the blockade enforcement is a security necessity, the incident has added further international scrutiny to Israel’s handling of Gaza-bound maritime activism, with legal groups and foreign governments continuing to demand clarity on detention conditions and due process for those involved.
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