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The Türkiye delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla announced Thursday that 48 Turkish nationals have been detained by Israeli forces following the interception of aid vessels bound for Gaza on Wednesday.
All Turkish citizens, except those on the Marinette vessel, were taken to Israel’s Ashdod Port, the delegation noted.
The delegation reported that the detainees’ health conditions were stable. Legal teams have been assigned at Ashdod Port, with each lawyer representing three to four activists. The process could take longer due to holidays in Israel, but no urgent risks were reported regarding their well-being.
While the confirmation came from the flotilla delegation, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry has said it is following developments closely. Officials noted that the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv has initiated consular procedures and is in contact with the families of those detained.
Turkish diplomats previously described the interception of the flotilla as "an act of terrorism" and confirmed that an investigation had been launched after the arrests.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the detained activists would be deported to Europe, without specifying which countries. Officials described the operation as enforcement of its maritime blockade and said the passengers were being transferred for deportation procedures.
The Marinette vessel, which also carries Turkish activists, has not been intercepted. One activist on board, Sinan Akilotu, said the ship had been delayed by technical issues and was still around 135 nautical miles from Gaza.
Akilotu stated that some boats had already entered Gaza’s territorial waters but contact with them had been lost. He added that their ship was the last in the convoy still moving toward Gaza and expressed hope it would reach the enclave.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of more than 45 vessels, departed from European ports in late August with humanitarian supplies, including medical aid, for Gaza. The convoy carried over 500 activists from 47 countries.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza for nearly 18 years, citing security concerns. Rights groups and the United Nations, however, have repeatedly criticized the blockade, warning that it has deepened famine conditions among Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.
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