Ankara, April 30 (SANA) The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that the Israeli attack on the “Global Sumud Flotilla” in international waters, en route to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid, constitutes “blatant piracy.”
Anadolu Agency reported that the ministry said Israel, by targeting a flotilla aimed at highlighting the humanitarian situation in Gaza, is acting against humanitarian values and international law. The statement added that the attack violates the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters and called on the international community to take a unified stance.
The ministry added that it is undertaking all necessary diplomatic efforts in coordination with relevant countries to follow up on the situation of Turkish nationals and others aboard the vessels.
Earlier in the day, the Global Sumud Flotilla announced that Israeli forces had seized 21 ships from the convoy, which had departed on Sunday from the Italian island of Sicily. The interception reportedly took place several miles beyond Greek territorial waters.
This is the second such initiative by the flotilla. A previous mission launched in September ended with an Israeli attack in October while the ships were sailing in international waters, during which hundreds of international activists were detained and later deported.
The Gaza Strip has been facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, with widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached months ago, the territory continues to suffer from strict Israeli restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid.
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