Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that several Polish activists detained by Israel, including members of the Global Sumud flotilla, will soon return home, as aid vessels are detained and Gaza talks continue.
Polish Detainees to Return Home
In Israeli detention remain Nina Ptak, chairwoman of the Nomad Association; Franciszek Sterczewski, liberal-conservative MP; and Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Social and Cultural Association. Another Pole, Ewa Jasiewicz, was among 137 people from the Global Sumud flotilla deported by Israel to Turkey on Saturday. The Polish consul has concluded meetings with the detained citizens and, despite their refusal of voluntary departure, has urged that they return to their homeland within the coming days, emphasizing adherence to instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israeli Forces Detain Flotilla
Most vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza were detained between Wednesday night and Thursday. The Israeli warship arrested the last vessel on Friday, transporting 443 people from various countries to Israel. Their deportation to their countries of origin has begun.
Gaza Conflict Talks
On Monday in Cairo, talks began aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. Israel’s spokesperson said a ceasefire had not been agreed, though bombings had paused. At least 70 Palestinians died from Israeli attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes prisoners in Gaza will be released within days, while the United States noted Hamas had essentially agreed to key elements of a future deal, with rapid logistics of prisoner exchanges remaining critical. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the second phase of talks, concerning disarmament and demobilization, will not be easy and many issues remain unresolved.
