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The final vessel of the 42-vessel relief flotilla trying to breach Israel's 16-year maritime embargo on the Gaza Strip has been intercepted by Israeli naval units.

Flotilla Stoppage and Deportation Procedures

According to government announcements, procedures are currently ongoing to deport the about nearly five hundred participants currently in detention. Within those detained are several Italy's parliamentarians who are expected to be repatriated to their home country on a scheduled flight.

Last Vessel Particulars

Video from late Thursday revealed the final vessel being manned by half a dozen people, comprising multiple Turkey's citizens, a German national, and an Omani crew member. The Australian commander of the ship declared via live stream: "We have a contingent of very tough Turkey's activists with us... we're planning to persist in our course."

As stated by a mission representative, the vessel had entered the fleet delayed after bad weather obliged it to return to harbor in the Spanish city.

Historical Background

The stoppage represents the nearest any unsanctioned aid effort has gotten to the Palestinian shoreline since Israeli authorities enforced its maritime embargo in 2009. The vessel was intercepted when it was calculated to be forty-two point five nautical miles from the coast.

Past attempts by humanitarian workers to penetrate the maritime blockade have been halted by force. In 2010, a dozen Turkish humanitarians were killed when Israeli military units boarded the lead ship as it led an relief fleet toward Gaza.

Other Ship Particulars

An additional vessel identified as another participant was reported to have ventured into Palestinian maritime zone, waiting several maritime miles off the shoreline before being intercepted. Nevertheless, organizers mentioned they had been unable to reach with the boat's team some time earlier.

"It could be a location error or a equipment issue with the tracking," commented a representative. "We will only have certainty after communicating with the personnel, which is impossible right now as they are being held by Israeli forces."

Present Situation

All apprehended participants from the fleet are being taken to Israeli territory where they will undergo expulsion procedures. Multiple activists on this latest flotilla, including high-profile figure Greta Thunberg, have been before apprehended by Israeli officials while trying to violate the restriction.

Historically, protesters held by Israel have not been faced legal charges and their participation has been handled as an immigration concern rather than a criminal violation.