The Arab rights group Adalah confirmed Thursday that all detained activists from the Freedom Flotilla were released from prison and transferred to Ramon Airport for deportation. The flotilla, carrying aid and activists from 44 countries, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Ankara dispatched three Turkish Airlines planes to Israel to evacuate citizens and foreign activists. He emphasized that all institutions are working to ensure their safe return. One Turkish activist, Majid Bugchuwan, was injured by a rubber bullet during the interception of the ship Barbaros and later refused treatment in Israeli hospitals.

Adalah reported severe mistreatment of detainees, including sexual humiliation, electric shocks, and broken ribs. International criticism mounted after footage showed activists forced to kneel with their hands tied, overseen by far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Nine countries summoned Israeli diplomats, while the EU condemned the treatment as “completely unacceptable.”
Article image



Spain confirmed the return of 44 activists via Turkey, while Ireland reported 14 nationals heading to Istanbul. Poland summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires, demanding apologies for the detention of Polish activists. The incident has fueled diplomatic tensions, with widespread calls for accountability.

Israel defended the operation as enforcement of its naval blockade on Gaza, describing the flotilla as propaganda for Hamas. Organizers accused Israel of illegal aggression, citing water cannons, rubber bullets, and deliberate ramming of vessels. The episode unfolds amid the ongoing Gaza war, which has caused tens of thousands of casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.