Türkiye to organise return of activists detained in Global Sumud Flotilla

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that Ankara plans to operate special flights to bring Turkish citizens and nationals of third countries who were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla back to Türkiye.

According to Fidan, following the intervention against the flotilla’s activities, Turkish authorities are coordinating with relevant institutions to ensure the safety of the detainees and their return, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

“Today we plan to operate special flights to bring our citizens and participants from third countries to Turkey,” he noted.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry clarified that three flights will be organised to Ramon Airport in Israel.

The aircraft, with a total capacity of more than 400 passengers, is expected to repatriate all those wishing to leave the place of detention, with arrivals in Istanbul expected on the evening of May 21.

The “Global Sumud” flotilla, which was heading on a humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip, was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters.

According to various reports, hundreds of activists from dozens of countries, including Turkish citizens, were detained during the operation.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov