Israel Intercepts Global Solidarity Fleet: Foreign Ministry Denounces 'Piracy'

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Israeli forces' interception of the Global Solidarity Fleet, an initiative aimed at delivering vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. The incident, which occurred in international waters approximately 54 nautical miles off the coast of Crete, has been unequivocally labeled as an act of "piracy" by Ankara.

The fleet, comprising 11 vessels carrying over 345 participants from 39 different countries, including Turkish citizens, lost contact with its ships after being blockaded by Israeli warships and drones. This aggressive action not only violates international maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation but also directly targets efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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The attack by Israeli forces on the Global Solidarity Fleet, formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, in international waters is an act of piracy. Israel has targeted humanitarian values and international law by attacking the Global Solidarity Fleet, which tries to draw attention to the humanitarian tragedy experienced by the oppressed in Gaza. Israel's aggression also violates the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters. We call on the international community to take a common stance against this lawless act by Israel. All necessary initiatives are being taken with other relevant countries regarding the situation of our citizens and other passengers on the fleet.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan held a late-night phone call with his Spanish counterpart, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, to discuss the illegal intervention. Both sides emphasized that the operation, which jeopardizes the lives of civilians from various nationalities, demands a unified international response. Turkey is actively engaging with other concerned nations to address the situation and ensure the safety of all passengers aboard the fleet.

This incident underscores the critical need for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The Global Solidarity Fleet's mission, launched from Barcelona on April 12th and reinforced from Sicily, aimed to break the blockade and deliver essential supplies. The forceful intervention by Israeli forces highlights a pattern of actions that disregard international law and humanitarian principles, further exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people.

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During the meeting, it was emphasized that the illegal intervention by Israeli forces in the international waters off Crete, targeting the Global Solidarity Fleet sailing in international waters, puts the lives of many civilians of different nationalities at risk and violates international law. It was pointed out that the international community should exhibit a common stance in the face of this unlawful intervention.