Istanbul: Turkish authorities evacuated activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Saturday after they were intercepted by Israel in international waters. The activists were attempting to break the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, a Turkish Airlines plane transported 36 Turkish nationals to Istanbul, along with 137 individuals from several other countries. The evacuation followed an incident late Wednesday night when the Israeli navy intercepted all ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers.