Israel to release two activists detained from the Gaza flotilla interception
Israeli authorities said they will release two activists detained from the Gaza aid flotilla intercepted near Crete, the first concrete result of mounting international pressure over the 175-strong group still in custody.
Interior ministry officials said the two to be released hold Irish and Norwegian passports and will fly out of Tel Aviv on the first available flight. The remaining 173 activists will continue to be held at the Givon detention centre while deportation procedures run.
The Spanish foundation that owns the flotilla yacht 'Sumud' called the gesture 'insufficient — all activists are unlawfully held.' EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the status of 32 EU citizens would be on Monday's agenda. Turkey's foreign ministry demanded immediate release of five Turkish nationals.
The Israeli shekel ended the week at 3.72 to the dollar. Tel Aviv's TA-35 index closed the week down 0.6%. The decline was cushioned by gains in defence-sector names Elbit and Rafael.
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