Gaza: Three foreign activists on a Gaza-bound aid ship seized by Israel have agreed to be deported to their home countries, an Israeli legal centre announced. The Adalah Centre revealed that Antonio Mazzeo from Italy, Gabrielle Cathala from France, and US activist Jacob Berger have consented to immediate deportation. The deportation is expected to occur within the coming hours.
According to TRTworld.com, fifteen other activists, including nationals from Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Norway, the UK, and the US, have refused to sign deportation orders and are currently in Israeli custody awaiting a tribunal hearing. Two dual US-Israeli nationals, Huwaida Arraf and Bob Suberi, were released after police interrogation and are now with Adalah's legal team.
Adalah has reported difficulties in meeting with four other detainees: Ange Sahuquet of France, Dr. Frank Romano, a dual US-French citizen, and Al Jazeera journalist Mohamed El-Bakkali of Morocco alongside cameraman Waad Al Musa, a US-Iraqi citizen. The ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), aimed to break a months-long Israeli siege that has led to widespread starvation.
In recent months, Israel has intercepted several Gaza-bound aid ships in international waters. In June, Israeli forces seized the Madleen, detaining 12 international activists. In May, the MV Conscience was attacked by drones near Malta.
Israel's blockade on Gaza has lasted 18 years, and since March 2, all crossings have been shut, blocking aid convoys despite international appeals to reopen them.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 133 people have died of starvation since October 2023, including 87 children. Israel's actions have resulted in the deaths of nearly 60,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, in the blockaded enclave.
The official WAFA news agency of Palestine reports that approximately 11,000 Palestinians are feared buried under the rubble of destroyed homes. Experts suggest the actual death toll could be significantly higher, potentially around 200,000.
The ongoing conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, displacing nearly the entire population. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the region.
