Jerusalem, June 02: Israel will immediately release 620 activists from the Gaza aid flotilla who were arrested on Monday, Ynet Prime Minister Netanyahu’s spokesperson said on Tuesday.
PM Netanyahu ordered the release following a National Security Cabinet meeting, as well after consultations with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Justice Minister Yaakov Ne’eman and Interior Minister Eli Yishai, who said the process will begin overnight and is expected to be completed within 48 hours, Israeli media reported.
Jordan and Israel reached an agreement on the release of 124 citizens from Jordan, Mauritania, Kuwait and Syria.
The activists will be sent to their countries of origin with Jordan acting as an intermediary. A total of 682 passengers of the Gaza aid flotilla were arrested and already had hearings and are expected to leave Israel soon. Most of them are from Turkey.
Among the detainees was Sheikh Raed Salah, the Islamic Movement’s northern branch leader whose role in the tragic events is now being determined by local police officers.
–Agencies–