163 Activists, Including 15 Turks, Freed After Refusing Israel’s “Deportation” Document

A total of 163 activists, including 15 Turkish citizens, have been released after diplomatic intervention, following their detention by Israeli forces in international waters during the interception of the Global Sumud Fleet — a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza.

The activists, among them climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham, had refused to sign a document that falsely stated: “I entered the country illegally and accept deportation.” The group insisted they were forcibly detained in international waters and did not recognize Israeli jurisdiction over their capture.

Raid in International Waters Sparks Global Condemnation

The Global Sumud Fleet was sailing toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid when Israeli naval forces conducted a military-style raid in international waters, seizing the ships and detaining hundreds of passengers.
The document presented to detainees was reportedly designed to legitimize their arrest under Israeli law — a move activists described as a “legal trap.” Despite pressure, all 163 refused to sign.

Among those detained were human rights defenders, medical volunteers, and environmental activists from several countries. Their refusal to cooperate reportedly prolonged their detention but also drew widespread attention to the legality of Israel’s operations beyond its territorial waters.

Diplomatic Efforts Secure Release

Following days of diplomatic negotiations, 15 Turkish activists and others were transferred by land from Israel to Jordan. They were received by officials from the Turkish Embassy in Amman, who facilitated their medical check-ups and coordinated their safe return to Istanbul.
Families of the Turkish nationals were contacted directly by embassy staff, who arranged phone calls between the detainees and their relatives after their release.

Humanitarian Convoy and the Gaza Blockade

The Global Sumud Fleet set sail with the stated goal of breaking the blockade on Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to civilians. The fleet’s organizers condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of international maritime law and called for an independent investigation into the raid and detention conditions.

Observers note that this latest incident echoes previous flotilla confrontations, reigniting debate over the legality of Israel’s blockade and its actions in international waters.

As the freed activists make their way home, diplomatic sources say the event has already strained relations between Israel and several participating countries, and renewed calls for greater international accountability in humanitarian operations bound for Gaza.