Israel to Release Two Detained Gaza Flotilla Activists
Israeli authorities said they would release two activists detained from the Gaza-bound flotilla in the coming hours. The decision follows weeks of international pressure and quiet diplomacy, while rights groups demand the release of every remaining detainee.
Israel said it would release two activists detained from the Gaza-bound flotilla before the end of the day. Officials said deportation procedures would be carried out through Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, with the activists set to fly out to their countries of origin.
Dozens more individuals remain in detention from the same flotilla. Lawyers acting for the activists said combined international pressure and quiet diplomacy from several governments accelerated the decision. The status of holders of passports from countries spanning the Caucasus to Latin America remains uncertain.
The UN Human Rights office released a statement underlining that the original detentions raised serious questions under international law. Israel's foreign ministry said the cases are being reviewed under standard security procedures and signalled that the situations of other activists are also being reassessed.
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