**Israeli Activists Deported After Attempting to Break Blockade on Gaza**
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has confirmed that six activists who were detained after their boat was intercepted while trying to break the Israeli Naval Blockade of Gaza have been deported. The group, which included a French and Palestinian Member of the European Parliament, had been held in custody for over 72 hours.
According to Adalah, an Israeli human rights organization, the activists were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures, and two were held in seclusion during their time in custody. The group demands the immediate release of eight volunteers, including the two still being held in Israel, and their safe return to their home countries.
The activists had been on a yacht called the Madleen Freedom Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli authorities 185km west of Gaza. The group aimed to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza to defy Israel’s blockade and highlight the humanitarian situation there.
**International Reactions**
Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian march from Egypt to Gaza’s southern border was stopped at Cairo airport on Thursday, with around 170 people facing delays and deportations. Global March to Gaza reported that their legal services were working on these cases, as all the activists had met the necessary requirements set by Egyptian authorities.
A convoy of multiple vehicles carrying pro-Palestinian protesters from Tunisia to Libya also planned to enter Egypt to travel to the Gaza border. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, with the current situation in the territory described as catastrophic due to shortages of food and aid.
**Background**
Israel’s blockade on Gaza was put in place after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. The UN has warned that the 2.1 million people living in Gaza are suffering from a catastrophic level of hunger due to the shortages of food.
In response, Israel launched a massive offensive three weeks ago to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip. While Israel partially eased its blockade by allowing in “basic” amounts of food, the UN and other aid organizations refuse to cooperate with the new system, citing humanitarian principles such as neutrality, independence, and impartiality.
At least 55,207 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the start of the current conflict, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
**Commentary**
The deportation of these activists is a worrying development that highlights Israel’s attempts to silence dissenting voices. The blockade on Gaza has been in place for over a decade, and it’s clear that Israel will stop at nothing to maintain its grip on the territory.
As international pressure grows to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel’s actions are becoming increasingly isolated. It’s essential that the world stands up against these injustices and demands an immediate release of all detained activists.
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