فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Saturday the deportation of 137 pro-Palestinian activists from the Gaza flotilla to Turkey, following the interception of several boats on Wednesday.
The Global Sumud flotilla was intercepted as it approached the coast of the Gaza Strip, where Israel is conducting a devastating offensive in response to an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023.
Hundreds of activists aboard these boats were arrested by Israeli forces and were awaiting deportation.
The ministry stated in a communiqué posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “137 other provocateurs from the Hamas-Sumud flotilla were deported today to Turkey,” noting that Israel considers the flotilla to be supported by Hamas.
Moroccan Citizens Among the Deported
The ministry indicated that those deported on Saturday were citizens of the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Jordan, and several other countries. According to national media, at least four Moroccan citizens were among the activists deported to Istanbul, confirming the participation of Moroccan nationals in the flotilla.
Moroccan sources had previously reported the involvement of well-known activists, including the former president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH).
Turkey announced that 36 of its nationals were scheduled to return home on Saturday afternoon aboard a special flight.
On Friday, Israel had already deported four Italian activists.
About the Flotilla and Its Mission
The flotilla set sail last month, carrying political figures and activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, en route to Gaza.
Describing itself as “peaceful,” the flotilla stated its aim was to “break the blockade of Gaza” and provide “humanitarian aid to a besieged population facing famine and genocide.”
The Israeli navy began intercepting the boats on Wednesday, and an Israeli official said on Thursday that boats carrying more than 400 people had been prevented from reaching Palestinian territory.
