Turkish Foreign Ministry calls Israel's actions against Gaza-bound 'Sumud' flotilla piracy

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has described the actions of Israeli forces against ships of the humanitarian flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip, named the 'Global Sumud Flotilla - Second Mission,' as an act of piracy and a violation of the principle of freedom of navigation.

'The attack by Israeli forces in international waters on the 'Global Sumud Flotilla,' formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, is an act of piracy. Israel has trampled on humanitarian values and violated international law by attacking the flotilla, which sought to draw attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. This aggression by Israel also violates the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters,' the ministry's statement said, as cited by TASS.

The ministry called on 'the international community to take a unified stance against this unlawful act by Israel.' 'Together with other countries, all necessary steps are being taken regarding the situation with our citizens and other passengers on board the flotilla's ships,' the ministry noted.

Official spokesperson of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Oncu Keceli, in turn, reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the flotilla situation over the phone with his Spanish counterpart, Jose Manuel Albares. 'During the conversation, it was emphasized that the illegal intervention by Israeli forces in the open sea against the flotilla off the coast of Crete endangered the lives of numerous civilians from various nations and violated international law. It was noted that the international community must take a unified stance regarding this illegal intervention,' the diplomat wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Israeli naval forces intercepted 15 out of 58 ships of the 'Sumud' flotilla overnight near the Greek island of Crete, according to The Times of Israel, citing the flotilla's organizers.