The first of hundreds of activists from the Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla began arriving at Istanbul airport on Thursday, after being detained and later deported by Israel, according to an AFP correspondent.
A total of 422 activists, including 85 Turkish nationals, were flown from southern Israel on three planes chartered by Ankara, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources said.
The first group was seen at the VIP terminal of Istanbul’s airport on the European side of the city, where supporters holding Palestinian flags gathered to welcome them.
The activists were part of a flotilla of around 50 vessels that set sail from southern Turkey on 14 May, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Their deportation came a day after video footage showing humiliating treatment of detained activists sparked international condemnation.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had said earlier that Ankara was making arrangements to bring all the activists to Turkey on special charter flights.
Source: CNA
