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A quartet of Italian nationals have been expelled by the country after being taken into custody when ships part of a flotilla delivering aid headed toward Gaza were intercepted, according to the nation's diplomatic authorities.

More than 470 participants were taken into custody, per information from Israeli police. The ministry indicated that authorities were actively deporting the others.

Interception Operation

The deportations occur as the final boat of the GSF was stopped by government forces on the morning of Friday.

The convoy leadership labeled Israel's operations as unlawful, while Israeli officials described the flotilla's mission as a "intentional confrontation".

The interception of the aid convoy triggered protests globally, comprising a commercial shutdown in Italy.

Open Seas Confrontation

The initial boats were boarded on Wednesday about 70 nautical miles away from the Palestinian shoreline in open seas and more ships in proximity. Israel has been policing this region but has no sovereign rights there.

Israeli officials stated its navy had told the boats to alter direction as they were "moving closer to an conflict region and breaching a lawful naval blockade", while the GSF maintained the interceptions were "unlawful".

Authority Announcements

"Thus far four individuals from Italy have been removed. The rest are being prepared for expulsion. The nation is keen to complete this operation as rapidly as feasible."

The declaration added that all apprehended individuals were safe and in proper condition. The convoy leadership has stated that many participants were struck with water spraying equipment while their ships were intercepted.

Notable Participants

The government's announcement referenced the participation of environmental campaigner the well-known campaigner on a convoy ship, but offered no additional information on her whereabouts.

"Over nearly two days, government naval units improperly stopped all 42 of our vessels—each bearing relief supplies, participants, and the commitment to challenge Israel's illegal siege on Gaza."

Last Boarding

The group stated the last of its ships, the Marinette, was illegally intercepted at 10:29 local time on Friday, about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza in global maritime space.

"Real-time broadcasts and contact methods have been cut, and the whereabouts of those involved and maritime staff is still uncertain," the coalition announced.

"This represents an unlawful action on non-military volunteers. We call on national authorities and world bodies to insist on their prompt security and freedom."

Last Communications

In a live broadcast from the final vessel, a participant was observed showing a written sign to the camera reading "There's a boat approaching!" just before the morning hour.

About half an hour subsequently, a naval craft carrying military personnel in tactical gear pulled alongside the ship, with a considerably larger military vessel discernible in the distance.

Tracking Information

The latest information on the Marinette, via the mission's tracking website, put it 43 nautical miles from the Gaza coast at mid-morning - just prior to it was intercepted.

The majority of the ships involved with the aid convoy are undetectable on vessel location platforms analyzed by different services.

Several of the vessels intercepted on the previous day are now docked at the government maritime facility, according to monitoring service records.

International Response

The humanitarian convoy set sail for Gaza from Spain at the conclusion of the previous month, with other boats joining from the North African country and additional locations subsequently, the GSF stated.

Demonstrations in support of the aid convoy and opposing the conflict in the territory intensified around the world as the boats neared the region, in countries comprising the European nation, Italy, Colombia and Argentina.