Activists detained after attempting to sail a protest flotilla toward the Gaza Strip have been released from Israeli custody and are expected to be deported to Turkey on Thursday, officials said.

The group was arrested after the Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla in international waters and escorted the activists to a port in southern Israel.

Their detention sparked international criticism after footage emerged showing some activists pinned to the ground while being mocked by supporters of Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister.

The controversy prompted criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ben-Gvir and fellow cabinet minister Miri Regev later posted campaign-style videos from the port, sharply criticizing the activists in what observers viewed as politically charged appearances ahead of possible early elections in Israel.

Organizers of the flotilla said their mission was intended to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in the enclave.

Aid organizations have continued to warn that humanitarian assistance remains insufficient despite the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since October 2025 and includes provisions aimed at increasing aid deliveries into Gaza.