The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that 137 members of the Global Sumud Flotilla were deported to Istanbul on a Turkish-arranged flight. The activists hail from the US, UK, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey, and several other nations, according to a report by The Times of Israel.
Italy’s foreign ministry said four Italians were among those deported and called for faster processing of its nationals. Meanwhile, international critics condemned the interception as a violation of maritime rights and humanitarian principles. "Some activists are deliberately obstructing the legal deportation process, preferring instead to remain in Israel. Meanwhile, several foreign governments have shown reluctance to accept flights returning these provocateurs," Israel’s foreign ministry stated, as reported by ANI.
The ministry further claimed that while it sought swift deportations for all detained activists, certain countries were reluctant to accept return flights.
The Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters, according to reports, after attempts to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza. According to AP, Israel said activists declined proposals to peacefully transfer aid, arguing their aim was provocation.
The episode intensifies tensions over Gaza’s blockade, activism in sea missions, and the legal limits of state actions in international waters.
