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Four individuals from Italy have been expelled by Israel after being taken into custody when ships participating in a flotilla transporting aid destined for Gaza were stopped, according to the nation's foreign ministry.

In excess of 470 people were taken into custody, per information from law enforcement authorities. The ministry stated that authorities were currently removing the others.

Maritime Intervention

The removals coincide with the final vessel of the GSF was boarded by naval forces on the morning of Friday.

The GSF called Israel's actions as unlawful, while Israel portrayed the flotilla's activities as a "intentional confrontation".

The stopping of the humanitarian mission sparked protests around the world, comprising a commercial shutdown in the European nation.

International Waters Confrontation

The initial vessels were stopped on midweek about around 80 miles away from the Gaza shoreline in open seas and others nearer. Israel has been monitoring this area but does not have sovereign rights there.

Israeli officials said its naval forces had ordered the vessels to change course as they were "heading toward an active combat zone and violating a official sea restriction", while the GSF asserted the boardings were "unlawful".

Government Comments

"Thus far the Italian nationals have been removed. The rest are being prepared for expulsion. Israel is keen to conclude this procedure as promptly as possible."

The statement added that all detainees were safe and in satisfactory physical state. The convoy leadership has stated that several activists were targeted with high-pressure water jets while their boats were stopped.

Prominent Figures

The official communication referenced the presence of Swedish activist the well-known campaigner on a convoy ship, but provided no specifics on her whereabouts.

"Throughout 38 hours, Israeli military vessels unlawfully boarded the complete set of 42 of our boats—each bearing relief supplies, activists, and the determination to challenge the nation's illegal siege on the Palestinian territory."

Last Boarding

The group said the remaining of its vessels, the participating ship, was improperly stopped at mid-morning on the final day of the week, approximately nearly 80 kilometers from the coastal territory in international waters.

"Video feeds and transmission systems have been disconnected, and the status of participants and ship personnel remains unknown," the GSF announced.

"This constitutes an illegal attack on civilian aid workers. We urge national authorities and international institutions to insist on their immediate safety and release."

Concluding Scenes

In a livestream from the final vessel, one passenger was observed displaying a piece of paper to the camera saying "There's a boat approaching!" moments before the morning hour.

Roughly 30 minutes subsequently, a naval craft carrying armed troops in combat equipment pulled alongside the ship, with a significantly bigger government boat visible in the surroundings.

Position Details

The most recent information on the Marinette, using the flotilla's location service, placed it around 50 miles from the Palestinian shoreline at mid-morning - moments before it was intercepted.

The greater number of the ships involved with the aid convoy are not visible on ship tracking sites reviewed by multiple outlets.

A group of five of the boats stopped on the previous day are now docked at the military port, according to monitoring service records.

International Response

The humanitarian convoy set sail for Gaza from the European nation at the end of last month, with additional vessels joining from the North African country and different departure points later, the coalition said.

Protests in solidarity with the aid convoy and against the conflict in the territory ramped up around the world as the vessels neared the region, in states comprising Spain, the Mediterranean country, Colombia and Argentina.