Israel has begun deporting the activists it detained after intercepting the Gaza-bound yacht “Madleen” in international waters on 9 June. France’s foreign minister said four French nationals would be expelled, while the Israeli rights organisation Adalah reported that six detainees were transferred to Ben Gurion Airport on 12 June for removal from the country. Among those put on flights were French MEP Rima Hassan and Turkish nationals Suayb Ordu and Yasemin Acar. Adalah said the group had spent more than 72 hours in custody; one French campaigner was briefly held in solitary confinement. Israeli authorities still held two passengers as of late Thursday. Brazil’s foreign ministry confirmed that activist Thiago Ávila, who had refused to sign deportation papers, was released on 12 June and arrived in São Paulo the next morning. Turkish officials separately said their citizens had left Israel the same day. The Madleen’s 12-strong civilian crew, which included climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, had been attempting to deliver a symbolic cargo of medical supplies, baby formula and food to Gaza, under blockade since 2007. Israel called the voyage “dangerous and illegal”, while organisers said it highlighted the enclave’s humanitarian crisis. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition signalled it would press ahead with further attempts. A replacement vessel, the “Handala”, is due to leave Italy on 13 July carrying about 18 passengers and a small load of aid, keeping international attention on Gaza despite this week’s expulsions.