Jakarta, ThedailyID — Nine Indonesian citizens who were previously detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission have arrived safely in Istanbul, Turkey.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the group landed in Istanbul on Wednesday night local time after completing deportation procedures from Israel.
The nine Indonesians were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla and Freedom Flotilla Coalition missions, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The delegation included humanitarian workers from several Indonesian organizations, such as Dompet Dhuafa, Rumah Zakat, Spirit of Aqsa, and SMART 171, along with journalists from Republika, INews, and Tempo.
Earlier this week, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters before detaining activists and aid workers from multiple countries. Authorities later transferred several participants to Ktziot Prison in the Negev desert before beginning deportation procedures.
CNN Indonesia reported that Indonesian officials and representatives in Turkey assisted the group upon arrival in Istanbul.
The incident sparked international attention after humanitarian groups accused Israel of obstructing peaceful aid missions bound for Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition described the mission as a civilian humanitarian initiative intended to challenge the blockade on Gaza and deliver aid to Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict.
