Turkey has coordinated the repatriation of 137 activists detained by Israel during a humanitarian mission to break the naval blockade of Gaza, according to a statement from Turkey's foreign ministry on Saturday. The group includes nationals from 12 countries and regions, underscoring the international scope of the contentious aid effort.
A Turkish Airlines flight carrying the activists—including 36 Turkish citizens and individuals from the US, UAE, Algeria, and several European and Middle Eastern countries—is scheduled to arrive in Istanbul by mid-afternoon local time. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed 26 Italian nationals are among those en route, while 15 others from Italy and other countries remain in Israeli custody pending deportation next week.
The detainees were part of a 40-boat flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in late August while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel maintains the naval blockade is necessary for security, calling the mission a 'provocative stunt.' The incident has drawn global criticism, with human rights group Adalah alleging some activists were denied legal access and basic necessities during detention.
Israel's foreign ministry stated all detainees were 'safe and in good health,' emphasizing efforts to expedite deportations. This marks the latest clash over Gaza's 16-year blockade, as international activists continue challenging restrictions on the Palestinian enclave.
