In a dramatic turn of events, 137 international activists detained by Israel during a humanitarian mission to Gaza have safely arrived in Istanbul. The group – including 36 Turkish nationals – were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted last week while attempting to deliver aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.
A Turkish Airlines flight carrying the activists landed at Istanbul Airport Saturday afternoon, greeted by cheering crowds and government officials. The activists will now undergo medical evaluations before providing statements to Istanbul police regarding their detention in international waters.
Turkish state media reports the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. The detained group represented a coalition of global citizens, with participants from the United States, UAE, Malaysia, Switzerland, and several Arab and European nations.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, with humanitarian organizations increasingly challenging the blockade of Gaza. The flotilla's fate has drawn international attention to regional maritime policies and humanitarian access challenges.
