Türkiye calls Israeli interception of Gaza aid flotilla ‘act of piracy’

“By attacking the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sought to draw attention to the humanitarian catastrophe faced by the oppressed people of Gaza, Israel has targeted humanitarian values and international law,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Global Sumud Flotilla's organizing body said Israeli military vessels encircled the convoy in international waters a few miles off Greece's territorial waters, and seized 21 of its boats, adding that 17 vessels managed to escape and enter Greek waters following the incident.

The flotilla, carrying more than 400 civilians, aimed to open a humanitarian sea corridor to Gaza and deliver aid to the enclave, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Israel’s actions also violated the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters, adding: “We call on the international community to take a united stance against this lawless act by Israel.”

“All necessary steps are being taken in coordination with relevant countries regarding the situation of our citizens and other passengers on board the fleet,” it added.

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus strongly condemned the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla, describing it as an unacceptable act of “piracy” in international waters.

“This barbaric act by Zionist Israeli terrorist forces targeting law, humanity and conscience cannot be justified under any circumstances. This attack also constitutes a clear war crime against humanity,” Kurtulmus said on the US social media platform X.

He said those “standing for human dignity” must raise their voices against such actions and openly support the people of Gaza, urging the international community not to “fail this test.”

Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the Israeli intervention in international waters constituted “a clear violation of law and an unacceptable attack.”

Duran said on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal that targeting a civilian-led humanitarian initiative represented a threat not only to aid efforts but also to “the shared values of humanity.”

“Israel has demonstrated through this intervention that it is engaging in piracy in international waters,” he said, calling on the international community not to remain silent and to take a firm stance in defense of law, justice, and freedom of navigation.

Separately, ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesperson Omer Celik said on NSosyal that efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza represent “a noble act on behalf of humanity.”

Describing the Israeli intervention as “barbarity” targeting a global “alliance of humanity,” Celik condemned the action, and said it amounted to “another crime against humanity.”

He urged the international community to deliver a united response, adding that the condition of Turkish nationals and other passengers on board is being closely followed.