Activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla detained by Israel at sea have been released from prison and are expected to be deported to Türkiye, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The group was detained at a port in southern Israel after the Israeli navy intercepted their flotilla in international waters. Organisers said the mission aimed to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid, which they argue remains insufficient despite a ceasefire brokered in October 2025.
Previous flotilla attempts have also been intercepted by Israel, including one involving Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, with participants later deported.
According to the Israeli rights organisation Adalah, around 430 activists have now been released from detention facilities in southern Israel and will be flown out via Ramon Airport near Eilat.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said special flights were being arranged to bring Turkish nationals, along with participants from other countries, back to Türkiye. Spanish officials also confirmed that dozens of Spanish citizens were expected to leave Israel later in the day.
The activists’ treatment has prompted international criticism after videos shared by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appeared to show detainees being restrained and mocked. In one clip, an activist chanting “Free, free Palestine” is seen being forced to the ground, while others appear kneeling with their hands bound.
Transport Minister Miri Regev also posted footage from Ashdod port, describing the activists as supporters of terrorism who had attempted to breach the blockade of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Ben-Gvir’s conduct did not reflect Israel’s values, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said it had “undermined the dignity” of the country.
The incident has prompted several countries, including France, Canada, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, to summon Israeli ambassadors for explanations.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that, regardless of views on the flotilla, those involved should be treated with respect and released without delay.
Canada and Spain have previously imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians.
The controversy comes amid heightened political tension in Israel, with the government moving closer to a possible snap election after an initial parliamentary vote to dissolve the Knesset.
Analysts say any upcoming election could be heavily shaped by public sentiment following the aftermath of the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
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