Greta Thunberg Visits Ashdod
Israeli Navy Crushes Gaza Flotilla: 470 Activists Detained in Mass Operation at Ashdod
Israeli forces intercept Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach Gaza blockade, detaining 470 activists at Ashdod Port for processing and deportation amid large security operation.
The Israeli Navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, leading to the detention and processing of 470 activists who were onboard the vessels.
Israeli law enforcement confirmed that the activists have been handed over for processing before their deportation.
Large-Scale Police and Immigration Operation
The operation required a significant deployment of Israeli personnel at Ashdod Port to manage the arrival and detention of the large number of activists.
More than 600 police officers, alongside representatives from the Israel Prison Service and the Population and Immigration Authority, were deployed to receive the detainees. The activists from the 41 intercepted boats underwent a "thorough inspection process," police stated, before being transferred to the Immigration Authority and the Prison Service for final processing.
Ongoing Interception Efforts
While the main contingent of the flotilla has been neutralized, authorities confirmed that one additional vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla is still making its way toward the Gaza coast. The Navy is expected to intercept this final vessel if it continues to approach the blockaded area.
The activists, hailing from various nations, consistently challenge the decade-plus-long Israeli naval blockade on Gaza, which Israel maintains is necessary to prevent arms smuggling to militant groups like Hamas.