Gaza Bombings Continue as Hamas Signals Openness to Talks, International Citizens Begin Repatriation
Istanbul, Turkey – Despite calls for de-escalation, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli forces continued airstrikes on the city of Gaza today.Simultaneously, efforts are underway to repatriate citizens from multiple nations who were aboard the International Flotilla of Aid for Gaza, intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week. Hamas officials have indicated they are prepared to engage in discussions, though the conditions for such talks remain unclear.
Turkey announced Saturday afternoon that 36 of its citizens, who were traveling with the Sumud global Flotilla when it was intercepted in international waters, are expected to return home on a special flight. “We expect 36 of our nationals who were on board the Sumud Global Flotilla ships intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters are going into our country this afternoon aboard a special flight,” stated Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli, adding that the final passenger manifest is still being confirmed.
The flight will also carry nationals from other countries, including citizens of the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan. italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani confirmed via X (formerly twitter) that 26 Italian citizens who were part of the flotilla are departing Israel on a charter flight. “A first group of 26 Italian citizens, who was on the flotilla, is about to leave israel on a charter flight,” he wrote. “We placed them on a Turkish flight to Istanbul. They have already been transferred to the Ramon air base and take off from Eilat airport” in southern Israel.
The interception of the flotilla has drawn strong condemnation, particularly from Turkey, which has accused Israel of committing “An act of terrorism” and announced Thursday the opening of an inquiry into the arrest of Turkish citizens aboard the vessels.
The ongoing situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Gaza, where intermittent conflict has persisted for years. While Hamas’s willingness to discuss a potential resolution offers a glimmer of hope, the continuation of israeli airstrikes suggests a challenging path forward. The repatriation of international citizens highlights the broader international concern surrounding the conflict and the risks faced by those attempting to deliver aid to the region.
