Gaza Flotilla Activists Deported by Israel Arrive in Turkey
On Thursday, Israel sent back hundreds of activists who had been caught at sea on Monday while attempting to break the Gaza blockade. In response to global criticism of their treatment, the first group arrived in Turkey. The Turkish foreign ministry confirmed that 422 activists, including 85 from Turkey, were flown from southern Israel on three planes arranged by Ankara. At Istanbul airport, they were welcomed by crowds waving Palestinian flags. One Turkish national, Bulal Kitay, described being beaten by Israeli forces, stating, "Each of us was assaulted, women and men… It’s what Palestinians endure regularly." The incident sparked widespread outrage, especially after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir shared footage of the activists.
Key facts
- Activists from multiple countries were detained in Israel after being intercepted at sea on Monday.
- Israel deported all foreign activists seized from a Gaza-bound flotilla on Thursday.
- First group of deported activists arrived in Turkey.
- 422 activists were flown from southern Israel on three Turkish-chartered planes.
- 85 Turkish nationals were among the deported activists.
- Supporters with Palestinian flags gathered at Istanbul airport to welcome the activists.
- Turkish national Bulal Kitay accused Israeli forces of beating activists.
- Itamar Ben Gvir posted a video of detained activists that drew widespread condemnation.
Entities
Institutions
- Agence France-Presse
- Turkish foreign ministry
Locations
- Israel
- Turkey
- Gaza
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Palestinian territory