On Saturday, Türkiye's foreign ministry announced that 137 activists detained by Israel for taking part in a Gaza-bound flotilla are on their way to Istanbul.
The group includes 36 Turkish nationals and citizens from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan.
A Turkish Airlines flight carrying the activists is scheduled to land in Istanbul after 3:40 p.m. local time (1240 GMT). Among the passengers are 26 Italians, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed. Another 15 Italians remain in Israel and are expected to be expelled next week alongside activists from other countries.
Earlier this month, Italy welcomed its first group of flotilla participants–four parliamentarians–who arrived in Rome on Friday.
The flotilla, which set sail in late August, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's naval blockade. Israel intercepted all 40 vessels and detained over 450 activists, drawing international criticism.
Israel's foreign ministry posted on X that the detainees are "safe and in good health" and said it plans to complete deportations "as quickly as possible." However, Adalah, an Israeli legal aid group, reported that some activists were denied access to lawyers, water, medications, and proper toilet facilities while in custody.
The latest arrivals highlight the global reach of humanitarian activism and the ongoing debate over access to aid in Gaza. As these activists return home, the international community continues to watch how Israel manages its blockade and the treatment of those challenging it.
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Türkiye says 137 Gaza flotilla activists to arrive in Istanbul
cgtn.com
