Israel’s interception and mass deportation of Gaza-bound flotilla activists has ignited a fresh international firestorm, deepening tensions over the war in Gaza and placing renewed scrutiny on the country’s treatment of detainees after controversial footage released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked outrage across several capitals.
More than 420 activists from dozens of countries arrived in Istanbul on Thursday aboard three chartered flights organized by Türkiye after being detained for days by Israeli authorities. The activists were among hundreds intercepted Monday when Israeli naval forces stopped the Global Sumud flotilla, a convoy of roughly 50 vessels attempting to challenge Israel’s long-running blockade of Gaza.
As the planes touched down in Istanbul, scenes at the airport quickly turned emotional and politically charged.
Supporters waving Palestinian flags packed the terminal while activists emerged wearing grey detention sweatsuits and black-and-white keffiyehs, some limping as they raised victory signs and shouted “Free Palestine.”
Turkish authorities said all returning activists would undergo medical examinations, while several detainees publicly accused Israeli forces of physical abuse, intimidation and degrading treatment during their detention.
