Jerusalem, Israel. Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel have been released from prison in southern Israel and will be deported to Turkey on Thursday, officials said. The activists were arrested after the Israeli navy intercepted their flotilla in international waters.
Interception and detention
The activists were arrested at a port in southern Israel after the Israeli navy intercepted their protest flotilla in international waters. Their treatment by police officers under far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s direction drew international outcry and a rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Government officials’ visits and videos
Ben-Gvir and transport minister Miri Regev posted campaign-style videos of themselves visiting the port and criticising the protesters, actions described as attention-grabbing ahead of potential early elections in Israel.
Flotilla aims and aid situation
Flotilla organisers said they aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance, which aid bodies say remains in short supply despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October 2025 that includes guarantees of increased aid.
Departure from Turkey and prior interceptions
The flotilla departed from southern Turkey this week before being intercepted on Wednesday. Past flotillas, including one carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were also intercepted by Israel, with participants later deported.
Deportation arrangements and nationalities
Israeli rights group Adalah said an estimated 430 activists had been released and would be deported via Ramon airport near Eilat on the Red Sea. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said special flights would bring Turkish citizens as well as participants from third countries to Turkey, including citizens of Spain, South Korea and Ireland.
“We will continue to uphold the rights of our citizens and fulfil our humanitarian responsibility toward civilians in Gaza,” Fidan said.
Spain’s foreign minister said Spanish diplomats in Israel had been informed that about 44 Spanish flotilla members would depart from Israel at 3 p.m. local time (1200 GMT).
What do you want to know about the deportation process for the detained flotilla activists?