Israel steps up deportations of flotilla activists

Another 137 people from 14 countries were deported after being detained while trying to deliver aid to Gaza.

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The Israeli foreign ministry said those expelled on Saturday are citizens of 14 countries, including the US and UK. On Friday, four Italian activists were deported.

Israeli authorities arrested about 470 people as dozens of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were stopped by Israeli forces from reaching Gaza.

The GSF called the interceptions illegal, while Israel described the flotilla's actions as a "publicity stunt". The blocking of the flotilla sparked protests around the world.

In a post on X on Saturday, the Israeli foreign ministry said 137 "provocateurs" had been deported to Turkey.