137 Gaza-Bound Activists Detained by Israel Returned to Istanbul

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying 137 activists, including 36 Turkish nationals and citizens from multiple countries such as the United States, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Istanbul after being detained by Israel for attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, leading to over 450 detentions and international condemnation. Turkey has condemned Israel's interception as an act of terrorism and launched an investigation into the incident. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that 26 Italian citizens were on the flight, with others still held in Israel awaiting deportation. Reports from Israeli human rights groups indicated that some detainees were denied access to legal counsel, water, medication, and restroom facilities, and were subjected to harsh treatment such as being zip-tied while kneeling for hours. Israel's foreign ministry stated that all detainees were safe and in good health and expressed a desire to complete deportations swiftly.