Six Gaza aid boat activists deported from Israel
June 12, 2025 · Middle East Desk · WSN024
Tel Aviv, Israel — Six foreign activists who were detained after attempting to sail a boat carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza have been deported by Israeli authorities, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The activists were part of a small flotilla intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of Gaza earlier this week. The boat was aiming to deliver medical supplies and food aid in defiance of Israel’s naval blockade on the territory.
According to Israel’s Ministry of Interior, the six were placed on flights to their respective countries of origin overnight. No criminal charges were filed, but they were warned not to attempt a return.
“We are not criminals. We were bringing medicine and hope to starving families,” said one of the deported activists in a statement released through an international rights group.
The Israeli military described the interception as “peaceful” and said no force was used. However, Gaza authorities and international monitors say such actions hinder the flow of vital aid to the besieged enclave.
This marks the third time in the last 12 months that activists attempting to breach the blockade have been detained and deported. Global human rights organizations have criticized the policy, calling for greater international pressure on Israel to lift restrictions.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, activists say they will continue to challenge the blockade through non-violent resistance and international solidarity missions.