Israel has deported 137 pro-Gaza activists to Türkiye following the interception of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla that were attempting to reach the Gaza Strip earlier this week.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the deportations on Saturday, saying they followed the navy’s interception of the flotilla on Wednesday as it neared the Gaza coast. The activists, aboard several small boats, were detained and processed for deportation throughout the week.
“137 more provocateurs from the Hamas-Sumud flotilla were expelled today to Türkiye,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X. Israeli officials have alleged that the flotilla had ties to Hamas, a claim denied by organizers.
According to the ministry, those deported included nationals from the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Jordan, and other countries. Reports indicated that at least four Moroccan activists were among those sent to Istanbul. Among them was Aziz Ghali, former president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH).
Türkiye’s authorities confirmed that 36 of its citizens were returning home on a special flight on Saturday afternoon. Israel had earlier deported four Italian activists on Friday.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail last month, carried political figures, human rights advocates, and volunteers. Organizers said their mission was peaceful and aimed at delivering humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza while protesting Israel’s long-standing blockade of the territory.
Participants and several international observers described Israel’s interception of the boats in international waters as a violation of international law. The incident adds to ongoing tensions surrounding Israel’s military operations in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.
Source:Africa Publicity
