21.05.2026 20:02
Activists of the Global Sumud Fleet, detained by Israel in an operation conducted in international waters, were brought to Istanbul. The activists from 44 countries, including Turks, who had set out to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and were held for days, arrived in Istanbul on a plane departing from Ramon Airport.
Activists of the Global Sumud Fleet, which set sail by sea to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and deliver aid to the region, have returned to Turkey. The delegation, which was detained after being intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters and includes Turkish citizens, was welcomed with enthusiasm and slogans at Istanbul Airport.
UNYIELDING STRUGGLE IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS
Activists from all over the world, exactly 44 countries, who set sail in boats to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, faced an unlawful intervention by the Israeli army. Stopped and detained in international waters, the freedom activists went through a difficult process but did not compromise their humanitarian stance despite all the pressure they endured.
THEY CHANTED "FREE PALESTINE" SLOGANS AS SOON AS THEY LANDED
The plane carrying activists, including 78 Turkish participants, took off from Ramon Airport and touched down at Istanbul Airport around 5:30 PM.
As the plane doors opened, the activists, descending the stairs with Palestinian scarves and symbols in their hands, chanted "Free, Free Palestine" in unison. Despite their exhaustion, the group, not hiding their determination and joy, once again proclaimed to the world that the Palestinian people are not alone with victory signs and applause as they disembarked on the apron.
THEY WILL UNDERGO HEALTH CHECKS
Passport controls at Istanbul Airport were quickly completed for the activists, who then met their waiting relatives and supporters. It was learned that after their procedures at the airport, the activists would be referred to the Forensic Medicine Institute for detailed health checks to identify any potential rights violations and instances of assault they may have experienced during their detention.