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The last vessel of the large humanitarian flotilla seeking to penetrate the Israeli decade-plus naval restriction on the Gaza Strip has been stopped by Israel's naval forces.

Flotilla Halt and Expulsion Procedures

Based on official declarations, procedures are now underway to deport the approximately 450 participants currently in holding. Including those held are several Italian lawmakers who are projected to be repatriated to their home country on a planned aircraft.

Last Vessel Details

Video from Thursday night showed the last vessel being manned by half a dozen people, comprising multiple Turkey's citizens, a Germany's participant, and an Oman's participant. The Australia's commander of the ship declared via live stream: "We have a group of highly resilient Turkish activists with us... we're planning to persist in our direction."

As stated by a mission spokesperson, the ship had joined the flotilla behind schedule after stormy conditions obliged it to go back to port in the Spanish city.

Historical Background

This halt signifies the nearest any unsanctioned humanitarian attempt has advanced to the Palestinian shoreline since Israeli authorities imposed its maritime blockade in 2009. The vessel was intercepted when it was estimated to be 42.5 nautical miles from the coast.

Earlier endeavors by activists to penetrate the sea restriction have been prevented by force. In twenty ten, a dozen Turkish participants were fatally wounded when Israel's commandos boarded the lead ship as it headed an relief mission toward Gaza.

Other Vessel Information

A second vessel named the second vessel appeared to have ventured into Gaza's maritime zone, stationary 9 miles off the coast before being intercepted. Nonetheless, coordinators mentioned they had lost contact with the vessel's crew some time prior.

"It could be a tracker malfunction or a system issue with the monitoring," commented a official. "We will only have certainty after making contact with the personnel, which is impossible currently as they are being kept by Israeli authorities."

Present Status

All apprehended crew members from the mission are being taken to Israeli territory where they will face expulsion processes. Some activists on this most recent attempt, featuring prominent figure the Swedish activist, have been before held by Israel's officials while seeking to violate the restriction.

Traditionally, protesters held by Israel have not been charged with crimes and their presence has been considered as an immigration matter rather than a legal violation.