Global Sumud Activists Kidnapped by Israel Arrive in Istanbul

Istanbul, MINA – Three planes carrying activists from the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla, detained earlier this week by Israel in international waters, arrived in Istanbul on Thursday, according to Anadolu Agency.

Three Turkish Airlines planes transporting the activists who were detained aboard the flotilla which came under attack by the Israeli army in international waters while attempting to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver vital humanitarian aid – landed at Istanbul Airport.

The activists were welcomed at the airport’s VIP Hall by their relatives and numerous officials.

Activists who had suffered injuries were taken to ambulances waiting at the airport.

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Following the reception ceremony, the activists are expected to be taken to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute for examinations as part of an investigation launched by Istanbul prosecutors.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said earlier Thursday that a special flight had been arranged to bring back Turkish citizens and participants from third countries involved in the aid flotilla to Türkiye.

The flotilla said Tuesday that all 50 vessels in its convoy had been seized by Israel following attacks in international waters.

The flotilla, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, departed last Thursday from Marmaris, Türkiye, in its latest attempt to break the illegal Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007, which has left much of the population on the brink of starvation.[]

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)