Dozens of Turkish nationals to return after Israel seizes Gaza-bound flotilla

ANKARA -- Thirty-six Turkish citizens detained aboard vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla seized by Israeli forces are expected to return home on Saturday afternoon, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli wrote on X that the repatriation would take place on a special flight arranged by Türkiye, though the final number of passengers had not yet been confirmed.

"Efforts are continuing to ensure that the remaining citizens complete their procedures and return to Türkiye as soon as possible," he added, noting that nationals of other countries would also be on the flight.

The state-run Anadolu Agency, citing diplomatic sources, reported that the Turkish Airlines plane would also carry citizens of the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan.

The flotilla, comprising 42 vessels with more than 400 volunteers from over 40 countries, set sail from various ports in August to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver food and medical aid.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said all passengers were transferred "safely" and "in good health" to the port of Ashdod, and would be deported. The flotilla organizers confirmed the interception, saying Israeli forces had "illegally" seized their vessels, which they described as carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers seeking to "break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza."

Israel imposed a naval blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave, and tightened restrictions after Hamas's cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023.