Turkish activists on the Sumud Flotilla are returning to Turkey

The 37 Turkish activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla, who set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, are expected to arrive in Turkey today after being deported from Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that consular officials have established direct contact with the detained citizens for the first time.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in his announcement, "Turkish consular officials have established direct contact for the first time at the detention center with the Turkish citizens who were illegally detained by Israel. Our citizens are expected to return to Turkey tomorrow via a private plane," he said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had set out with 47 ships to deliver aid to Gaza. However, Israel intervened against the ships approaching Gaza and towed 44 of them to the port of Ashdod. Because some ships were attacked by UAVs, only 44 ships were able to reach the waters off Gaza. The Marinette ship, however, managed to break through the Israeli blockade and reach the shores of Gaza.

More than 400 people, including activists from Turkey, traveled at sea for days to reach Gaza. Following Israel's intervention, the activists are being sent to Turkey on a private plane to be deported.

News Source: 12punto