GAZA STRIP - Israel deported three foreign activists who boarded a fishing boat from Gaza to avoid IDF (Israel Defense Forces) intervention.

When the fishing boat entered restricted waters, an Israeli Navy ship blocked the boat and arrested those on board, including the fishermen.

Israeli officials escorted the three foreign nationals, members of Human Rights Observers, an offshoot of the International Solidarity Movement, from the harbor at Ashdod to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, where they were not permitted to contact anyone abroad.

IDF officials said the Navy followed standard procedure for vessels entering restricted waters.

"Navy ships told the activists to return to the areas permitted for sailing, but they refused and even disrupted Navy security operations in the area," one IDF official said.

"As a result, Navy sailors arrested the Palestinians and brought them in for questioning," he said.

"The activists, known for supporting Palestinian organizations, including terror groups, were also arrested and are to be deported."

The three foreign nationals were American, British and Italian.

Source: YNet news