Israel deports hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists after international backlash

AI Summary

The Israeli government has deported hundreds of activists who challenged its naval blockade of Gaza following international criticism. The deported individuals were met with support as they arrived back in Turkey after their release from Israel.

The Israeli government on Thursday released and deported hundreds of flotilla activists who attempted to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Outrage abroad over the activists' treatment prompted several countries to summon Israeli envoys to hear their concerns. About 420 activists departed Israel on planes bound for Turkey, where they landed Thursday evening in Istanbul. Wearing grey sweatsuits and Arab keffiyehs, they descended stairs to the runway flashing two-fingered salutes and chanting “Free Palestine.” Some appeared to be limping.