The Turkish Foreign Ministry has issued a forceful condemnation of Israel’s armed assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing the attack as “an act of terrorism” and a grave violation of international law.

The flotilla, which set sail with hundreds of international activists and tons of humanitarian aid destined for Gaza, was intercepted and seized by Israeli naval forces in international waters.

In a sharply worded statement, Ankara declared that the assault proved the Netanyahu government’s genocidal policies extend far beyond the Palestinian people. “The attack carried out by Israeli forces in international waters against the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, constitutes an act of terrorism that gravely violates international law and endangers the lives of innocent civilians,” the Ministry said.

Türkiye stressed that the flotilla was a civilian-led, peaceful initiative that posed no threat to anyone. “This assault, targeting civilians who were acting peacefully without resorting to violence, demonstrates that the fascist and militarist policies pursued by the genocidal Netanyahu government—which has condemned Gaza to famine—are not limited to Palestinians, but extend to all those who resist Israel’s oppression.”

The statement placed the incident in the wider context of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, accusing Tel Aviv of deliberately starving the besieged population. By blocking humanitarian convoys, Ankara said, Israel was revealing the true extent of its apartheid policies.

Türkiye also expressed concern that such aggression could jeopardize ongoing ceasefire talks. “We hope that this attack will not undermine ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza,” the Ministry noted, while warning that Israel’s disregard for peace initiatives threatened regional stability.

Ankara emphasized that coordination had been maintained since the flotilla’s launch with other governments whose nationals were among the passengers. It vowed to pursue “all necessary initiatives” to ensure the immediate release of Turkish citizens and other detainees taken by Israeli forces.

Legal measures are also being prepared to hold Israel accountable for what Türkiye described as piracy and state terrorism at sea. “Legal steps will also be pursued to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable,” the statement confirmed.

In a direct appeal to the international community, Ankara urged urgent steps to break Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza. “We call upon the United Nations and all relevant international organizations to take immediate action to lift the unlawful blockade on Gaza, to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the region, and to guarantee the freedom of navigation,” the Ministry declared.

Türkiye’s strong words add to a rising global chorus of outrage over Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying food, medicine, and baby formula for starving Palestinians. South Africa, Spain, and several European parliamentarians have also denounced the attack, warning that Israel’s actions in international waters amount to piracy and state terror.

Ankara’s statement makes clear that Türkiye, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, intends to pursue both diplomatic and legal channels to challenge Israel’s impunity. (ILKHA)