Israel has deported 171 members of the Global Sumud flotilla—Polish activists and others—to Greece, Slovakia and their home countries, while Warsaw urges their swift return.
Israel Loses 171 More Flotilla Crew Members
The Israeli foreign ministry reported Monday that 171 individuals from the Global Sumud flotilla were deported to Greece and Slovakia, among other destinations. Officials listed the nationalities of those taken: Greek, Italian, French, Irish, Swedish, Polish, German, Bulgarian, Lithuanian, Austrian, Luxembourgish, Finnish, Danish, Slovakian, Swiss, Norwegian, British, Serbian, and American.
The list includes climate activist Greta Thunberg and several Polish participants: activist Ewa Jasiewicz, who was already deported to Turkey, Nina Ptak of the Nomada Association, MP Franciszek Sterczewski of the Civic Platform, and Omar Faris of the Polish Palestinian Society.
Polish Response: Call for Return to Homeland
On Sunday afternoon, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski said the consulate had concluded its meeting with detained citizens in Israel. Despite refusal to leave voluntarily, he urged that the men return to Poland within days and appealed for adherence to the ministry’s directives.
Israeli Forces Detain Sumud Vessels
Most ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza were seized during the night of Wednesday to Thursday. By Friday, the Israeli warship halted the last vessel, transporting nearly 500 people from various countries to Israel for deportation.
Deportations Continue to Home Countries
Transport of the detained crew to their respective home countries is ongoing, with officials monitoring compliance and awaiting diplomatic resolution.
