Jerusalem / Ankara: All detained members of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been released from Israeli custody, according to confirmations from Israeli authorities and international organizations monitoring the case.
The flotilla members, including humanitarian workers and activists from multiple countries, had been detained after Israeli forces intercepted the aid convoy during its mission toward Gaza.
The Palestinian legal and human rights organization Adalah, based in the United States, stated that the released aid workers are now being deported from Israel.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister officials confirmed that several activists are being transferred to Türkiye following their release.
The development comes after widespread international criticism over Israel’s interception of the humanitarian flotilla and the detention of more than 400 volunteers and activists, including Pakistani social worker Saad Edhi.
Reports had earlier stated that Israeli forces took control of all vessels participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla operation.
Human rights organizations and activists alleged that detainees faced severe physical and psychological mistreatment during their detention.
According to claims made by activists and advocacy groups, Israeli forces reportedly used taser guns and rubber bullets against some participants.
There were also allegations that several female activists were forcibly stripped of their hijabs by Israeli personnel during the operation.
The incident sparked outrage across various countries and prompted strong condemnation from governments, humanitarian organizations, and rights groups.
Adding to the controversy, Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly shared a video showing detained aid workers kneeling on the ground, a move that further fueled criticism online and internationally.
Pakistan, Türkiye, and several other countries had strongly condemned the detention of the flotilla members and demanded their immediate release.
The Pakistani Foreign Office had earlier confirmed that diplomatic efforts were underway to ensure the safety and return of Pakistani nationals involved in the humanitarian mission.
Human rights organizations argue that humanitarian aid missions operating in international waters should be protected under international law and not subjected to military interception.
The flotilla was reportedly carrying humanitarian assistance intended for civilians in Gaza, where concerns over humanitarian conditions continue to draw global attention.
International observers say the incident has once again intensified debate over humanitarian access to Gaza and the treatment of aid workers operating in conflict zones.
Rights groups are also calling for independent investigations into allegations of mistreatment during the detention process.
So far, Israeli authorities have not publicly addressed all allegations made by activists regarding physical abuse and psychological pressure.
The release of the flotilla members is being viewed as a major development following days of diplomatic pressure and international condemnation.
Analysts believe the incident could further increase scrutiny over Israel’s handling of humanitarian missions and its broader policies regarding access to Gaza.
The situation also highlights the growing role of international civil society groups and humanitarian activists seeking to draw global attention to conditions faced by civilians in conflict-affected areas.
