A large humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza has been intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of 44 ships loaded with medical supplies and aid, was attacked late Tuesday night. According to organizers, at least 30 ships were seized, and more than 200 people on board were detained by Israeli forces. Among them were 29 Turkish citizens, sparking an immediate legal response in Turkey.
Turkish citizens among detainees
Flotilla representatives confirmed that 29 Turkish activists were taken into custody from several ships, including Sirius, Alma, Spectre, Huga, Deir Yassine, and Grande Blu. The names of those detained were released by the committee, while relatives and rights groups voiced concern for their safety.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that it had launched a criminal investigation into the unlawful detention of Turkish nationals in international waters. The statement underlined that developments would be closely monitored and necessary legal measures pursued.
Activists reported that more than 20 Israeli warships had surrounded the flotilla as it advanced just 40 nautical miles from Gaza’s shores. Video footage showed armed soldiers boarding vessels, pointing weapons at aid workers wearing life vests. Several ships, including Alma and Sirius, were directly stormed, while others were hit with water cannons or deliberately rammed.
International reactions and solidarity
Statements of outrage poured in from across the globe. Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that any attack on the unarmed flotilla would constitute a serious violation of international law. Spain urged the flotilla not to enter what it described as a “high-risk zone,” while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez appealed to Israel “not to endanger civilians engaged in a humanitarian mission.”
Italy and Greece issued a joint call for the safety of the participants to be guaranteed, stressing that humanitarian aid must reach Gaza without obstruction. Meanwhile, flotilla activists themselves insisted they would not resist but would continue their mission of peaceful, nonviolent solidarity.
Calls for global mobilization
Onboard activists described tense moments as communication lines were jammed and drones flew overhead. Turkish activist Ayçin Kantoğlu urged people around the world to rally in public squares if the flotilla was violently intercepted. Others stressed that the movement represented a global conscience against genocide and blockade, insisting that even if stopped, the mission had already sparked a worldwide awakening.
The Sumud mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” is the largest civilian fleet ever assembled for Gaza. It carries large quantities of medical and humanitarian supplies, symbolizing a growing global effort to break Israel’s blockade.
Despite mounting threats, activists vow to keep sailing toward Gaza. As one participant put it: “Whatever happens tonight, this is only the beginning. Israel has lost the argument, and the global movement is stronger than ever.”
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