[46288] Gaza Freedom Flotilla activists arrested by Israel have returned to Turkey

The return of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla activists

According to a report by the Sondakika Haber Gündem channel, 59 activists who were held by Israel on the 'Freedom Flotilla' (Sumud Filosu) landed on Friday at Istanbul Airport. Out of the group, 20 are citizens of Turkey. The TurkishNews channel, which reports on political and economic developments in Turkey, noted that "Israel allowed the return of the Gaza flotilla to Turkey" after taking control of the ships.

The activists were part of a broad international initiative that included 345 participants from 39 countries, aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. According to reports, the mission set sail from Barcelona on April 12, with additional participants joining in Sicily on April 26.

According to the organizers, the Turkish activists were first transferred to Greece before making their final journey back to Istanbul. The event comes against the backdrop of ongoing attempts by international organizations to break the naval blockade on Gaza, an activity that consistently meets with resistance and preventive actions by Israel.