In a post on the X platform, Keçali added that the final number of returning citizens has not yet been determined, and that efforts are ongoing to complete the procedures for the remaining citizens as soon as possible and ensure their return to Türkiye.
The spokesman indicated that the special flight is also planned to include citizens of other countries who were on board the same ships.
On Friday, at a press conference on the situation of the Turkish activists, Keçali explained that the Steadfastness Flotilla played a crucial role in drawing international public attention to the ongoing catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. He added that Turkey had closely followed the flotilla's developments from day one and had been in contact with the flotilla's organizing committee and participants from the outset.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that "our ministry's monitoring center and crisis office were closely monitoring developments 24/7," adding, "We were in close coordination with the countries whose citizens were on the flotilla, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and (Foreign) Minister Hakan Fidan conducted intensive diplomatic contacts on the matter."
He said, "As a result of these contacts, a joint statement was reached, including a strong warning to Israel not to endanger the lives of those on board the flotilla." He emphasized that "Turkish ships operating in the area, with their search and rescue capabilities, were also present to contribute to the humanitarian aid mission."
Keçali stated that Israel is currently holding hundreds of activists, including approximately 50 Turkish citizens. He added, "Our consular officials intervened immediately after the boats were seized, working in coordination with the flotilla's lawyers and the embassies of the other countries involved. We immediately shared the information we obtained with the families of our citizens."
Over the past few days, Israeli authorities seized 42 ships belonging to the Global Steadfastness Flotilla while they were sailing in international waters toward Gaza, and arrested hundreds of international activists on board.
The flotilla issued a distress call after the Israeli military attacked its ships in international waters, deeming the escalation a "war crime."
This is the first time that dozens of ships have set sail together toward Gaza, home to approximately 2.4 million Palestinians, in a collective attempt to break the 18-year Israeli blockade of the territory.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, leaving 66,288 martyrs and 169,165 wounded, most of them children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 457 Palestinians, including 152 children.
