All 19 Greek activists released from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla trying to bring aid to Gaza returned to Athens on Friday evening, the Foreign Ministry has said.

The Greek citizens arrived at 9 p.m. to Athens airport on a commercial flight from Turkey.

Those deemed to require first aid were taken to hospital, the ministry said.

At the airport, a large crowd of supporters heeded a called from the March to Gaza Greece group to welcome the activists home.

The group said the activists will hold a press conference at Saturday noon to describe their experiences after their vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces.