23:43 2026.05.21

Israel has deported all foreign activists detained aboard vessels belonging to the Global Sumud flotilla following widespread international backlash.

Axar.az reports that the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the development.

“Israel will not permit any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza,” the ministry said in a statement.

Most of the activists were deported through Ramon Airport near Eilat, with Turkiye dispatching charter flights to transport detainees. According to reports, around 430 foreign activists had been held after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla at sea.

It should be recalled that the Israeli Navy stopped vessels from the Sumud flotilla that were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The incident sparked international criticism after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published footage showing detained activists bound and kneeling.

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Members of the Sumud aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip have arrived in Turkiye.

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, 422 people from 41 countries were transported to Turkiye on a charter flight operated by Turkish Airlines. Among them were 85 Turkish citizens.