Turkish citizens detained by Israel on Sumud flotilla could return via special flight

Turkish citizens detained by Israel after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla could be returned to Türkiye on October 4 via a special flight, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

The flotilla, which set out to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces. Israeli authorities seized more than 30 ships and detained over 200 people, including 48 Turkish citizens, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Kecheli said the ministry had closely monitored the flotilla’s activities from the outset and maintained constant contact with its organisers and participants. He added that the Ministry’s Situation Monitoring Center and Crisis Desk had tracked developments around the clock.

Kecheli noted that Türkiye had coordinated with other countries whose citizens were aboard the flotilla and that intensive diplomatic contacts by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had resulted in a joint statement warning Israel not to compromise the safety of those on board. He also mentioned that Turkish ships and search-and-rescue teams in the region were prepared to support the flotilla’s humanitarian mission.

Providing an update on the detained Turkish citizens, Kecheli said consular officials had first made face-to-face contact with them on October 3 at a detention center in southern Israel, after they had been disembarked at Ashdod Port on October 2. According to initial reports, the general health of the Turkish citizens was not a cause for concern.

The spokesperson said the ministry was exploring the fastest and safest ways to evacuate Turkish citizens, with a special flight being considered for October 4. He added that coordination with local authorities and relevant institutions in Türkiye was ongoing to ensure the process was handled efficiently.

Kecheli also confirmed that some countries had requested Türkiye’s assistance in evacuating their citizens. He specifically mentioned that Malaysian authorities had contacted Türkiye, and said that efforts were underway to provide support within Türkiye’s capabilities.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest flotilla to date attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, approached Gaza waters on October 1 before being intercepted by Israeli forces.

By Sabina Mammadli