First Gaza flotilla activists arrive in Istanbul from Israel: AFP

AI Summary

Hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists, including many Turkish nationals, have arrived in Istanbul after being deported from Israel. Supporters gathered at Istanbul airport to welcome the activists, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding attempts to breach Israel's naval blockade on Gaza.

The first of hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists began arriving at Istanbul airport Thursday after being arrested then deported from Israel, an AFP correspondent said. The 422 activists, among them 85 Turkish nationals, were flown from southern Israel on three planes chartered by Ankara, Turkish foreign ministry sources said. A first group of arrivals could be seen inside the VIP terminal at Istanbul airport on the European side of the city, as a crowd of supporters carrying Palestinian flags gathered to welcome them, the correspondent said.