Turkey's aid ships, which Israel attacked on May 31 decided to give back to Turkey, are expected to set sail to Turkey on Thursday.

Three tugboats are expected to be at the Israel ports on Thursday to tug the ships.

Three Turkish ships have been kept at Israeli ports since May 31 and on July 23, Israel decided to give aid ships back.

Solar Ship Rescue Services Director General Murat Bayhan told A.A. correspondent that the ships would be brought to Iskenderun port of Turkey.

Bayhan said tugging of the ships could last for two days depending on the weather conditions, "in case everything goes normal, the ships will be in Iskenderun on August 8," he said.

Nine people, including 8 Turkish activists and a 19-yeard-old American of Turkish origin were killed when Israeli forces raided a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on May 31. Around 30 people were wounded in the attack.

Israel detained the passengers of the ships for a few days after the raid, and sent the majority of the passengers to Turkey.

"Mavi Marmara" ship has been held at Haifa port, and the other two Turkish ships "Defne" and "Gazze (Gaza)" at Ashdod port.


Agencies