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Four individuals from Italy have been expelled by the country after being taken into custody when ships part of a humanitarian convoy transporting humanitarian assistance destined for Gaza were stopped, according to the nation's foreign ministry.

Over 470 participants were apprehended, as reported by law enforcement authorities. The ministry indicated that officials were currently deporting the remaining individuals.

Interception Operation

The removals coincide with the last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla was boarded by government forces on Friday's early hours.

The convoy leadership called the Israeli interceptions as illegal, while Israel described the convoy's mission as a "deliberate challenge".

The stopping of the humanitarian mission sparked demonstrations globally, featuring a commercial shutdown in Italy.

Open Seas Incident

The initial boats were intercepted on midweek about around 80 miles from the Gaza shoreline in global maritime territory and additional vessels closer. The nation has been policing this region but does not have sovereign rights there.

Israel claimed its naval forces had ordered the ships to alter direction as they were "heading toward an active combat zone and breaching a lawful naval blockade", while the GSF maintained the boardings were "unlawful".

Government Comments

"Thus far four Italian citizens have been deported. The rest are being prepared for expulsion. Israel is eager to complete this operation as promptly as feasible."

The statement added that everyone in custody were safe and in satisfactory physical state. The GSF has stated that several participants were struck with water cannon while their ships were stopped.

High-Profile Involvement

The official announcement referenced the participation of environmental campaigner the prominent activist on a participating vessel, but did not give specifics on her condition.

"During an extended period, Israeli military vessels illegally intercepted the complete set of 42 of our vessels—each bearing humanitarian aid, participants, and the commitment to overcome Israel's restrictive measures on Gaza."

Final Interception

The coalition reported the remaining of its vessels, the named vessel, was improperly stopped at mid-morning on Friday, roughly 42.5 nautical miles from the coastal territory in open seas.

"Live streams and transmission systems have been disconnected, and the whereabouts of participants and ship personnel remains unconfirmed," the GSF stated.

"This constitutes an unlawful action on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and global organizations to insist on their swift protection and liberation."

Final Moments

In a real-time video from the Marinette, one passenger was seen displaying a piece of paper to the lens reading "We see a ship!" moments before 10:00 local time.

Approximately 30 minutes subsequently, a naval craft occupied by military personnel in combat equipment approached the ship, with a much larger government boat discernible in the background.

Position Details

The current information on the final vessel, through the flotilla's location service, placed it approximately 80 kilometers from the Gaza coast at 10:07 - just prior to it was taken over.

The greater number of the boats sailing as part of the flotilla are not visible on maritime monitoring services analyzed by multiple outlets.

Several of the boats intercepted on Thursday are presently anchored at the government maritime facility, according to location platform data.

Worldwide Impact

The aid mission departed for the Palestinian territory from Spain at the recent period, with other boats participating from Tunisia and additional locations later, the coalition reported.

Demonstrations in support of the humanitarian mission and opposing the conflict in the territory increased internationally as the boats approached the territory, in countries comprising the European nation, Italy, the South American nation and Argentina.