Israeli authorities released Moroccan journalist Mohamed El Bakkali, a correspondent for Al Jazeera, along with the crew of the aid ship Handala on Sunday, following their detention in international waters while en route to Gaza on a symbolic solidarity mission.
According to sources close to the case, El Bakkali and the other passengers were freed after signing a formal document pledging not to attempt sailing toward Gaza again.
The move was described as a procedural measure to end the detention without pressing legal charges.
El Bakkali, who had boarded the Handala alongside international activists and journalists, was participating in an effort to protest the blockade on Gaza when the Israeli navy intercepted the vessel on Saturday.
While no charges were filed, El Bakkali was unable to depart Israel the same day due to a lack of direct flights and is expected to be repatriated to Paris today.
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