(MENAFN) On Saturday, 137 activists, among them 36 Turkish nationals held by Israel for participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla aid mission to Gaza, were returned to Türkiye.

The group departed Ramon Airport in Eilat, southern Israel, aboard a Turkish Airlines flight, arriving at Istanbul Airport at 3:50 p.m. local time (1250 GMT). Upon landing, the activists were greeted by officials and a sizable crowd.

A state-run broadcaster reported that the activists will first undergo medical examinations before being taken to the Istanbul Police Department to provide statements. This is part of an investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office concerning the detention of Turkish citizens in international waters during Israel’s interception of the flotilla.

Foreign ministry officials confirmed that the group also included nationals from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan.

The flotilla consisted of 42 vessels and over 400 volunteers from more than 40 countries, setting sail in August to challenge Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza and deliver essential humanitarian aid, such as food and medical supplies.

Israeli forces intercepted the entire flotilla while still in international waters.

Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, following Hamas’s takeover of the territory. The blockade was further intensified after Hamas’s cross-border attack into southern Israel in October 2023.

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