Thunberg was among activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which said it was attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The group warned earlier that it was sailing into a “high-risk area” about 150 nautical miles off Gaza before contact was lost.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel ’s interception of the flotilla, calling it a “violation of international law” and urging international pressure for the release of those detained.

Israel, however, described the mission as a “political provocation”, defending the blockade as lawful under international maritime rules and claiming some participants had ties to Hamas, an accusation the organisers strongly denied.

Flotilla missions have repeatedly tried to challenge Israel’s naval blockade since 2008. Most have been intercepted, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which ten Turkish activists were killed by Israeli commandos, sparking global outcry. 

Dr Nick Maynard said: “I've seen, I think, probably a dozen now seriously injured young boys who have been shot in the abdomen or the chest. One of them, a 12-year-old, died on the operating table because the injuries were so severe, and they're all from gunshot wounds.

He added that families and medical colleagues who are also looking for food have witnessed these kinds of injuries at the same distribution sites caused by Israeli soldiers and drones .

“They're all describing that they're being shot by Israeli soldiers or by the quadcopters, the drones which are being remotely controlled by the Israelis, and fire often indiscriminately, often targeted. And I'm seeing a very clear we're all seeing a very clear pattern of injuries.

Israel denied to the BBC that it targeted minors, noting that its forces observed strict rules of engagement. It also said that it was untrue that it had used sniper drones at any stage during the conflict and that its troops always act within international law.

Spearheaded by civil society groups like “Brothers and Sisters in Arms,” the initiative aims to ensure "that everybody will be safe".

According to a social activist, Shula Keshet, the abandoned bus station is "the only place in Israel that has a shelter against atomic bombs. It's in a very terrible place, by the way."

The shelter, originally opened during the Gulf War in 1991, can accommodate up to 16,000 people.

"Surrounding this place, [are] citizens and people, families, Israelis or non-Israelis, immigrant workers, asylum seekers, etc., [who] did not have any place to go," Shula Keshet added.

Protests erupted in Tehran and several other cities following Friday prayers, with demonstrators voicing support for their leaders, as broadcast by state television. One protester's banner read, “I will sacrifice my life for my leader,” about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Israeli authorities, 25 people have been killed in Israel due to Iranian missile strikes since June 13. In response, Iran reported on Sunday, June 15, that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 224 deaths, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

Turkey is strategically repositioning its conflict dynamics with Israel, seeking negotiations with the United States instead of continuing confrontations in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has underscored that Syria should remain a sovereign locale for its people rather than a stage for international powers. Previously, Turkey offered to combat the Islamic State within Syria, tying this proposal to the cessation of U.S. support for Kurdish forces, which aligns with President Trump’s interests in reducing U.S. military involvement in the region, Haaretz reports.

Mass protests continue

The political landscape in Turkey remains fraught, particularly as opposition leader Ozgur Ozel steers ongoing protests advocating for the release of jailed Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, viewed as President Erdogan’s significant adversary. Following Imamoglu’s detention on corruption charges perceived as politically motivated, large-scale protests have mobilised thousands, including university students. According to US News , Ozel has called for ongoing demonstrations and has emphasised the urgency for early elections ahead of the next scheduled general vote in 2028. A symbolic petition rallying for Imamoglu’s release has attracted over 7 million signatures, reinforcing his status as a viable presidential candidate.

Weight loss surgery goes wrong

British woman named Danielle Peebles has faced severe health ramifications following weight loss surgery in Turkey. Initially aimed at improving her health ahead of her grandson's birth, the operation resulted in paralysis from the neck down due to complications arising from nutritional neuropathy linked to vitamin deficiencies. Peebles, who had opted for the surgery amid prolonged NHS waiting times, experienced initial recovery but subsequently required hospitalisation upon her return to the UK. Despite grim diagnoses about her mobility, she has engaged in rigorous rehabilitation and managed to regain some movement, illustrating significant risks associated with overseas weight loss procedures, as a growing number of cases highlight severe post-operative complications as reported by NDTV .

Turkey holiday prices may drop as inflation hits tourism sector

Holiday prices in Turkey could fall as hotels aim to avoid a repeat of 2024’s low occupancy rates. Popular spots like Bodrum and Antalya saw fewer visitors last year as locals opted for cheaper trips to Greece. Some resorts even shut early to cut losses. Tourism expert Hamit Kuk warns that inflation and poor economic management continue to strain the sector, making it hard for businesses to manage rising costs, Express reports.

Israel strikes Turkish-scoped Syrian bases

Israel's recent air strikes on Syrian military installations, which Turkey considered for a proposed joint defence initiative, have heightened tensions between the two nations. These strikes targeted three air bases and underline Israel’s mounting concern over Turkey's military manoeuvres in the region, particularly given fears surrounding an increasing Islamist influence along its borders. Despite Turkey’s assurances to the U.S. regarding the non-aggressive nature of its military presence in Syria, Israel's actions suggest apprehension regarding possible Turkish military advancements, including the integration of Russian anti-aircraft systems. Hindustan Times reported that the strikes caused considerable damage and raised alarms about potential escalations in regional hostilities, prompting Turkish officials to denounce Israel's actions as a threat to regional stability while expressing a commitment to avoid direct military confrontation.