UPDATE - Türkiye conducts health checks for Gaza humanitarian flotilla activists arriving in country

​​​​​​​CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; ADDS DETAILS

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - A group of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israel underwent health checks Saturday in Istanbul after arriving in Türkiye.

Turkish activists were brought by bus to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute as part of an investigation by the city’s chief prosecutor. They were questioned after undergoing medical checks, while some foreign nationals were interviewed voluntarily, as the case may fall under international crime.

Thirty-five activists who gave testimony as witnesses left the facility, while six others, including a Turkish national, were taken to a hospital for monitoring after health checks, as supporters continued to wait outside the building.

A plane carrying activists from the humanitarian mission, who were attacked and detained by Israel in international waters, landed at the Istanbul airport Saturday, officials said.

The plane, which departed from the Ramon Airport in Eilat, Israel, arrived at 3.50 pm local time (1250 GMT).

As many as 137 people from the humanitarian flotilla, including 36 Turkish and 23 Malaysian nationals, arrived by the flight.

"Following an attack that disregarded international law, our activist brothers and sisters who have arrived in our country will receive health examinations at the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute at their request, and their physical and psychological conditions will be carefully checked," Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said earlier on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

He said after the forensic examinations, 11 public prosecutors will take the activists’ statements for informational purposes.

"Brave hearts who do not remain silent in the face of oppression and stand with the people of Palestine are not just activists; they are true heroes carrying the conscience of humanity and serving as the voice of justice. Israel’s unlawful intervention in international waters, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, is an attack on truth, solidarity, and peace,” added Tunc.