Gaza flotilla live: Greta Thunberg to be deported as protests break out in several countries – UK Times

One of the flotilla’s vessels – the Mikeno – appeared to have got close to Gaza’s coast into the Palestinian territorial waters. However, the ship was later intercepted.

“Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.

At least 14 Irish citizens were detained after Israel intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, Ireland’s deputy premier has said.

Simon Harris, who is also the Foreign Affairs Minister, said there may be two other citizens whose presence is still being verified.

There are no reports of injuries among the Irish citizens, he said.

Police sprayed tear gas on protesters in Geneva, Switzerland as they marched in support of the Gaza flotilla, eyewitnesses told Reuters news agency, which the police confirmed.

“We were retreating and suddenly got heavily gassed,” an eyewitness told Reuters, describing a burning sensation in their eyes and difficultly breathing.

Israel’s interception of the flotilla sparked protests in Geneva and Bern, as well as in Italy and Colombia.

The Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.

None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.

“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”

As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”

Colombia president announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from his country after the Israeli military arrested two Colombian nationals during the interception of the flotilla carrying aid into Gaza.

In a statement, the office of Gustavo Petro said the Colombian women “who were engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine” were detained by Israeli forces.

Human rights group Amnesty International has called out Israel’s interception of the Gaza aid flotilla as a “calculated act of intimidation”.

The group called the action “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said.

“This seizure comes after weeks of threats and incitement by Israeli officials against the flotilla and its participants and after several attempts to sabotage some of its ships,” he continued.

The head of Amnesty called for the unconditional release of all activists.

“The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

The UN has commented on the Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical supplies for the population to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance,” UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in an email to Reuters.

Mr Al-Kheetan called on Israel to respect the rights of detained volunteers.

The Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.

None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.

“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”

As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”