The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's actions against the humanitarian flotilla “Sumud“, which was traveling to Gaza, and described them as a “terrorist act“ in violation of international law, reported “Türkiye Today“, BTA reported.
The flotilla, which was carrying medical supplies and other humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli ships in international waters last night, and Israeli forces boarded some of the vessels in the flotilla.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said that the Israeli actions endanger the lives of innocent civilians and are proof that “the fascist and militarist policies of the genocidal government of (Benjamin) Netanyahu are not limited to the Palestinians“.
Turkey announced that it is coordinating with other countries its efforts for the immediate release of the detained activists.
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into reports of Israel detaining 24 Turkish citizens who were aboard ships from flotilla.
The investigation is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as articles of the Turkish Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code for “deprivation of liberty“, “hijacking or seizure of means of transport“, “aggravated robbery“, “damage to property“ and “torture“, the Anadolu Agency reported.
Last night, conservative NGOs and unions organized demonstrations in front of the US diplomatic missions in Istanbul and Ankara to protest Washington's support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza, “Türkiye Today“ reported.
The demonstrators described the blockade of Gaza and Israel's military operations as genocide and demanded that the international community more categorically hold the perpetrators accountable.
The daily vigil in front of the US embassy in Ankara, which is being held for the 41st day and which usually lasts between 4 and 7 p.m., was extended overnight due to the Israeli operation against the global flotilla “Sumud“.
Israel launched its offensive in the enclave after the unprecedented cross-border attack of "Hamas" against Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. At that time, according to Israeli data, about 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages were taken captive in the strip.
In the retaliatory Israeli offensive in the coastal territory, more than 65,000 people died, according to information from the "Hamas" Health Ministry.