Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned Israel’s intervention in international waters against the new Gaza-bound flotilla as an act of piracy committed by the “genocidal Netanyahu government“. Ankara said it would take “all necessary measures” to secure the release and safe return of the detained Turkish and other nationals.
In an official statement, the ministry said that “The intervention in international waters against the Freedom Flotilla (referring to the convoy named ’Thousands of Madleens‘), which set sail with the aim of breaking the unlawful and inhumane blockade imposed on Gaza, constitutes an act of piracy perpetrated by the genocidal Netanyahu government.”
“This attack targeting civilian activists, including Turkish citizens and members of parliament, represents a grave violation of international law. By resorting to violence against all efforts that seek to uphold humanitarian values and employ peaceful means, Israel is escalating tensions in the region and undermining prospects for lasting peace“, the statement added.
The text stressed that “All necessary steps have been taken to ensure the immediate release and safe return of our citizens detained by Israeli forces. The situation of the other activists is also being closely followed in coordination with the relevant countries” it said. “Türkiye will continue to support the Palestinian cause and to fight for an end to the genocide in Gaza“.
Medicines, equipment and supplies for Gaza hospitals
Three vessels – GazaSunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar and Anas Al-Sharif – were “illegally attacked and intercepted” early this morning by the Israeli army some 220 kilometres off the coast of Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla reported on social media. Another ship in the convoy, the Conscience, carrying more than 90 journalists, medics and activists, was also “under attack”.
Israeli media such as the Jerusalem Post confirmed that Israeli forces had intercepted the humanitarian convoy trying to reach the Strip, which consisted of some 11 vessels and 150 activists and had departed shortly after the Israeli raid on the Global Flotilla Sumud, which sparked protests in many countries – including Turkey – and in which activists alleged abuse and torture, including the humiliating treatment of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The boats were carrying “humanitarian aid valued at more than $110,000, including medicines, respiratory equipment and nutritional supplies destined for hospitals in Gaza“, according to the organisers.
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Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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