Israel ready to deport all Gaza flotilla activists after their 'thorough inspection'

Israeli police said on Friday that they have processed more than 470 activists of the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla and are preparing to deport them.

According to a report by the Times of Israel, over 600 police personnel were stationed at Ashdod Port, where flotilla participants were subjected to what officials described as a “thorough inspection process.” The activists have since been transferred to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority and the Israel Prison Service before deportation.

The police warned that the Marinette — the last vessel still at sea — would be intercepted by the Israeli navy if it continues its course toward Gaza.

The Marinette is the only remaining boat still attempting to reach the besieged enclave after other vessels in the flotilla were stopped earlier this week, triggering international criticism.

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The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising dozens of ships, set sail last month carrying activists and politicians, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The initiative aimed to deliver aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of imminent famine.

The Israeli navy began intercepting the flotilla on Wednesday. By Thursday, an Israeli official confirmed that ships carrying more than 400 people had been blocked from entering Gaza.

Flotilla organizers said on Friday that 42 vessels were “illegally intercepted” and their passengers “unlawfully abducted.”

Despite the setbacks, the Marinette continued on its route. “The world saw what happens when civilians challenge a siege. And still — Marinette sails on,” the flotilla declared in a statement on Instagram.