Sameera Mehboobdeen reported to be safe, released from Israel

Friday, 22 May 2026 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sameera Mehboobdeen, who joined the international “Global Sumud Flotilla” mission seeking to challenge the naval blockade of Gaza, has reportedly been deported from Israel and is safe, according to media reports and sources in contact with her.

Mehboobdeen was taken to Ramon Airport in Israel to board a flight to Istanbul after Israeli authorities began deporting activists detained during the flotilla operation.

Sri Lankan Embassy officials were able to briefly meet Mehboobdeen before her departure and were permitted to ask only one question regarding her physical condition.

“She said she is fine,” sources were quoted as saying.

According to the reports, Mehboobdeen is expected to arrive in Istanbul at 5:50 p.m. local time, while the Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara has been informed to provide any necessary assistance.

Mehboobdeen had travelled from Sri Lanka in April to join the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” an international solidarity mission involving activists from nearly 100 countries