By Mohammed Ertima and Ikram Kouachi
ISTANBUL (AA) - Libya on Saturday said Israel is set to release four Libyan activists detained from the Omar al-Mukhtar ship, which was attacked and seized while sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza this week.
The Foreign Ministry of the Government of National Unity said in a statement that efforts are continuing to secure the release of other Libyan nationals “within a short period,” without specifying their number.
It said a special plane had been prepared to repatriate all detainees once released, via Jordan and in coordination with the Libyan Embassy in Amman.
The ministry confirmed that all Libyan citizens are in good health and have met defense lawyers.
The Omar al-Mukhtar ship departed around two weeks ago to join the flotilla, equipped with an intensive care unit to provide medical support.
On Thursday, Tripoli held Israel “fully responsible” for the safety of the ship’s passengers.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza said Israeli forces had “pirated and abducted the Global Sumud Flotilla,” describing the raid as “a blatant war crime violating humanitarian and international law.”
On Friday, flotilla organizers said the Israeli navy attacked all 42 ships in the convoy, which carried humanitarian aid and nearly 500 activists from more than 45 countries. The UN called the assault “unacceptable.”
Israel’s prison service said about 200 activists were interrogated and searched before being transferred to Ketziot Prison in the Negev desert for further procedures.
Israel has attacked aid ships bound for Gaza earlier as well, seizing vessels and deporting activists on board.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 67,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The blockade and bombardment have also triggered famine.