Erdoğan condemns Israel's 'piracy and banditry' against Gaza flotilla

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday condemned Israel's "piracy and banditry" against the Global Sumud Flotilla "in the strongest terms." Addressing the nation after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said Israel's attacks on the aid mission will not stop international solidarity with Palestinians, or the pursuit of justice. He urged the global community to act against Israel's "lawless actions."

Flotilla attack

Israeli forces have seized more than 40 of the 54 vessels from the Gaza-bound flotilla and detained around 300 activists. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, was attacked in international waters as it sought to break Israel's 17-year blockade of Gaza.

International condemnation

Ten countries, including Türkiye, Pakistan, Spain, and Brazil, have condemned Israel's attacks on the flotilla. Foreign ministers of these nations called the attacks a "clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law" and demanded the immediate release of all detained activists.

Previous incidents

Israeli forces previously intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in April, detaining more than 170 activists, including 20 Turkish nationals. Activists reported being subjected to sexual violence and beatings during detention.