South Africans held in an international humanitarian mission turned hostage by Israeli forces are set to return home. The group, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, will be flown to Istanbul later this afternoon, bringing to an end a week filled with anxiety and uncertainty for their families.

News of the activists' deportation comes hours after Israel's police minister drew global controversy for a video he posted to X.

Rights group says majority of flotilla participants will be flown out of Israel from Ramon Airport.