Hundreds of international activists detained by Israel after being intercepted at sea during a Gaza-bound flotilla are released and deported, with the first group arriving in Turkey on Thursday. Israeli authorities say all foreign activists seized by Israeli forces are being sent out of the country following widespread criticism over their detention conditions. Multiple reports say more than 430 activists, including people from countries outside Israel, were held after the Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla in international waters and the activists were later taken into custody.
Several outlets also link the backlash to videos and images circulated during the detention. They report that Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted footage showing detained activists pinned to the ground with their hands tied and faces down, which drew condemnation abroad and criticism at home, including comments attributed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
By Thursday, Israeli officials said the activists were released from prison and transported on flights bound for Turkey, with reports describing arrivals in Istanbul. Some accounts add that activists were awaiting deportation earlier on Thursday, while others state departures were underway the same day.
