Turkish Activists Return Home After Detention on Gaza Aid Flotilla

Fifteen Turkish nationals detained by Israeli authorities during the humanitarian aid mission to Gaza have returned to Türkiye, arriving at Istanbul Airport on Tuesday. The activists, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, traveled from Jordan aboard a Turkish Airlines flight to complete their journey home.

The returning activists departed from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and landed in Istanbul in the evening. They were greeted at the airport's VIP lounge by family members, government officials, and supportive citizens, marking the end of their detention period that began when Israeli forces seized the flotilla vessels in international waters.

Before their flight from Jordan, the activists had been transferred from Ketziot Prison in southern Israel to the King Hussein Bridge border crossing between the occupied West Bank and Jordan. Their release follows the detention of more than 470 activists from over 50 countries who were participating in the humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel's long-standing blockade of the territory.

The Global Sumud Flotilla was undertaking a humanitarian mission to deliver assistance to Gaza and protest Israel's nearly 18-year blockade of the coastal enclave when it was intercepted by Israeli forces. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza that has resulted in extensive casualties and destruction since October 2023.