Türkiye condemns Israeli interception of Gaza aid flotilla as ‘act of piracy’

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as “an act of piracy,” announcing that Ankara is taking “all necessary steps” regarding Turkish citizens and other passengers on board. “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 ministry said in a statement. The flotilla’s organizing body said Israeli military vessels encircled the convoy in international waters a few miles off Greece’s territorial coast, seizing 21 boats while 17 managed to escape into Greek waters.

Violation of international law

The Global Sumud 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. “We call on the international community to take a united stance against this lawless act by Israel,” the statement added. Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the intervention constituted “a clear violation of law and an unacceptable attack,” adding that Israel is “engaging in piracy in international waters.”

Turkish officials’ condemnation

Ruling AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik described the Israeli intervention as “barbarity” targeting a global “alliance of humanity,” saying it amounted to “another crime against humanity.” He urged the international community to deliver a united response. For Türkiye, which has a history of confrontation with Israel over aid flotillas—most notably the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident—the interception revives painful memories. Ankara has consistently supported maritime humanitarian efforts to Gaza and has called for an end to the Israeli blockade.