137 Gaza Flotilla Activists Deported from Israel Land in Turkey

Sisters Nur Heliza Helmi and Nur Hazwani Afiqah binti Helmi, who were sailing aboard vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were seized by Israeli forces, pose with Palestinian flags after arriving at Istanbul Airport on a special flight.

A group of 137 activists detained by Israel after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza aboard a flotilla have arrived in Istanbul, according to Turkey’s foreign ministry. The activists, who were flown in on a Turkish Airlines flight, included 36 Turkish nationals as well as citizens from the United States, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The flotilla, part of the Global Sumud initiative, was intercepted by Israeli forces last week as it sought to challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza. More than 450 activists were detained in total, with deportations now underway.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that 26 Italians were among those arriving in Istanbul, while another 15 remain in Israeli custody pending expulsion. Activists have alleged mistreatment during detention, including being zip-tied for hours and denied access to lawyers, water, and medication—claims Israel has denied, insisting all detainees were treated in accordance with legal standards.

The incident has drawn international condemnation, with critics calling the interception a violation of international law. Israel, however, maintains that the flotilla was a provocation aimed at undermining its “lawful naval blockade” rather than a genuine humanitarian mission.

The deportations are expected to continue in the coming days as Israel seeks to expedite the removal of all remaining detainees.