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Four Italian citizens have been expelled by Israel after being apprehended when ships part of a flotilla carrying relief supplies bound for Gaza were boarded, according to Israeli foreign ministry.

In excess of 470 participants were taken into custody, according to law enforcement authorities. The foreign office indicated that authorities were currently deporting the others.

Naval Boarding

The removals coincide with the last boat of the humanitarian convoy was stopped by government forces on Friday's early hours.

The GSF called Israel's actions as illegal, while Israeli officials portrayed the flotilla's actions as a "intentional confrontation".

The blocking of the aid convoy ignited rallies internationally, including a general strike in Italy.

International Waters Incident

The primary ships were boarded on Wednesday about approximately 130 kilometers away from the Palestinian shoreline in global maritime territory and additional vessels in proximity. Israel has been policing this zone but does not have jurisdiction there.

Israel stated its navy had ordered the boats to alter direction as they were "approaching an active combat zone and disregarding a official sea restriction", while the flotilla organizers said the operations were "against international norms".

Government Comments

"Currently the Italian nationals have been deported. The others are in the process of being deported. Israel is eager to complete this process as promptly as possible."

The announcement noted that all detainees were secure and in proper condition. The convoy leadership has alleged that numerous activists were assaulted with water cannon while their ships were stopped.

Notable Participants

The official communication referenced the involvement of environmental campaigner the prominent activist on one of the boats, but provided no additional information on her condition.

"Over an extended period, Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each transporting assistance materials, volunteers, and the commitment to overcome Israel's restrictive measures on Gaza."

Last Boarding

The group stated the last of its vessels, the Marinette, was unlawfully boarded at mid-morning on Friday, about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza in open seas.

"Video feeds and contact methods have been cut, and the whereabouts of participants and ship personnel continues to be unconfirmed," the GSF stated.

"This constitutes an illegal attack on non-military volunteers. We call on governments and international institutions to require their prompt security and freedom."

Final Moments

In a livestream from the last ship, a participant was visible displaying a written sign to the lens stating "There's a boat approaching!" just before the morning hour.

Approximately 30 minutes afterward, a naval craft full of military personnel equipped with tactical gear approached the vessel, with a much larger government boat observable in the surroundings.

Location Data

The latest information on the final vessel, through the flotilla's tracking website, located it approximately 80 kilometers from the Gaza coast at 10:07 - moments before it was intercepted.

The largest portion of the ships participating in the humanitarian mission are undetectable on maritime monitoring services reviewed by different services.

A group of five of the vessels boarded on the previous day are currently anchored at the military port, according to monitoring service data.

International Response

The humanitarian convoy departed for the Palestinian territory from the European nation at the recent period, with additional vessels participating from Tunisia and different departure points subsequently, the organization stated.

Rallies in backing for the aid convoy and resisting the military operations increased around the world as the vessels neared the Strip, in nations including the European nation, Italy, Colombia and the Latin American country.