Israel has deported all foreign activists from the Global Sumud flotilla within 48 hours of their interception by the Israeli navy off the coast of Cyprus. The repatriation of approximately 430 individuals from 45 countries concluded on Thursday, following their transfer to Ramon Airport near Eilat in southern Israel.
According to Adalah, the Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, which provided legal support during their detention at Ketziot Prison, none of the activists were brought before a court despite initial announcements by Israeli authorities. The swift repatriation was ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who requested their removal as quickly as possible after publicly distancing himself from videos posted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, which sparked international condemnation.
The diplomatic fallout has intensified, with ten countries summoning Israeli ambassadors to demand explanations after Ben Gvir published footage showing activists bound and kneeling. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the treatment of the activists as abhorrent and unacceptable.
Repatriation logistics across multiple borders
Turkey organized three flights to repatriate 78 Turkish nationals along with third-country citizens who were on board the flotilla. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that his country would continue to defend the rights of its citizens and fulfill its humanitarian obligations to civilians in Gaza.
Concurrently, 37 French activists boarded flights to Istanbul for repatriation under the escort of French embassy staff, while Spain confirmed that 44 Spanish activists departed separately. Egyptian and Jordanian activists returned via the Taba and Aqaba border crossings.
The detainees included Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of the Irish President, alongside 14 other Irish citizens. Nineteen Greek citizens also departed on a flight to Istanbul; the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting on instructions from Minister George Gerapetritis, had previously lodged a formal protest with Israel, characterizing the treatment of its citizens as unacceptable and entirely reprehensible.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein defended the naval operation, stating that Israel will not permit any breach of the legal maritime blockade of Gaza.
International diplomatic backlash
The deportations occurred amidst a wave of diplomatic protests. Ten nations, including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Australia and New Zealand, summoned Israeli ambassadors over the videos showing activists handcuffed and kneeling at Ashdod port. In one recording, Ben Gvir is heard addressing the detainees, saying they arrived as heroes but were now reduced to nothing.
The response from international leaders has been severe. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that Canada has already imposed sanctions on Ben Gvir, including asset freezes and travel bans. In London, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the behavior as truly appalling, adding that the treatment violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity.
