Swedes from blockade-busting Gaza flotilla deported from Israel

STOCKHOLM — Seven Swedish activists detained by Israel’s navy for attempting to breach its maritime blockade of Gaza have been deported to Sweden, the organizers of the Ship to Gaza flotilla say Wednesday.

Four of the activists arrive back in the Scandinavian country on Wednesday, and the three others are expected later in the day, Ship to Gaza Sweden spokesman Dror Feiler tells AFP.

The Israeli Navy said the interception of the ship, Freedom for Gaza, late Friday was carried out in accordance with international law. It took the boat it to the port of Ashdod.

The ship was carrying medical supplies and had a total of 12 crew and activists on board, hailing from Sweden, Spain, Canada and Germany and France. All have been deported, Feiler says.

Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom says Wednesday Israel’s interception and boarding of the ship, as well as the detention of the activists and crew, violated international law.

“The (Swedish) government has been in contact with Israeli authorities about Ship to Gaza and has insisted that the actions of the Israeli authorities regarding the Swedish-flagged vessel Freedom and the people on board are not backed up by international law,” Wallstrom says in a statement.

She says her government had also demanded that the ship and its cargo be released.

— AFP