The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has confirmed that four of the twelve individuals abducted from international waters have been deported, while eight remain unjustly detained. Israel is treating all twelve as if they entered the country unlawfully, despite their forcible abduction from international waters and subsequent transfer into Israeli territory against their will.

The Israeli human rights organisation Adalah has stated that Israel cannot lawfully deport the remaining eight activists unless they sign deportation documents within seventy-two hours. After this period, Israeli authorities may proceed with their deportation.

On Tuesday, Israeli officials declared that those who refuse to sign the deportation orders and depart voluntarily will be brought before a judicial authority, in accordance with Israeli law, to authorise their removal. Consular representatives from the detainees’ home countries met them at the airport, and the crew are expected to meet with diplomatic representatives shortly.

 Al Jazeera.