Türkiye Condemns Israeli Seizure of Gaza Aid Flotilla as 'Piracy'

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Israel's military operation against the humanitarian Freedom Flotilla, labeling the incident in international waters an "act of piracy by the genocidal Netanyahu government." In an official statement released Wednesday, the ministry asserted that the attack on the civilian vessel, which carried activists and Turkish citizens, represents a severe breach of international law.

This is not the first time Israeli forces have intercepted Gaza-bound aid ships. Just last week, the Israeli navy seized over 40 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining more than 450 activists, most of whom were later deported. These actions are part of a long-standing blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has been under strict Israeli control for nearly 18 years.

The ministry confirmed that immediate diplomatic measures are underway. "All necessary steps have been taken to secure the release of our citizens detained by Israeli forces and to ensure their return to our country," the statement read. It also noted that Türkiye is monitoring the status of other international activists in coordination with their respective governments.

Reaffirming its steadfast position, the ministry stressed that "Türkiye will continue to support the Palestinian cause and to work toward ending the genocide in Gaza." The statement concluded by warning that Israel's aggressive tactics against peaceful humanitarian efforts are escalating regional tensions and undermining prospects for a lasting peace, even as new ceasefire negotiations proceed in Egypt.