Turkiye Slams Israeli Intervention on Gaza Aid Flotilla as ‘Act of Piracy’

ANKARA – October 8, 2025 – Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday strongly condemned the Israeli military’s interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, labeling the action in international waters as an “act of piracy” and a gross violation of international law. 

The intervention targeted the “Freedom Flotilla,” which was attempting to break the long-standing naval blockade on Gaza to deliver vital aid, including medical supplies. The Turkish ministry’s statement emphasized that the vessels carried civilian activists, including Turkish nationals and members of parliament. 

The ministry asserted that the interception in international waters demonstrated that the “genocidal” Israeli government was targeting all peaceful initiatives and was actively escalating tensions in the region, thereby undermining efforts toward a lasting peace

 

Immediate Diplomatic Action

Turkiye has initiated diplomatic measures to secure the immediate release and return of the Turkish citizens and lawmakers detained by Israeli forces. The ministry also stated it is coordinating with other countries regarding the status of their nationals who were aboard the ships.  

The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, consisted of multiple vessels carrying activists, doctors, journalists, and an estimated $110,000 worth of essential medical and nutritional supplies intended for hospitals in the besieged Gaza Strip. The organizers reported that all vessels were intercepted by the Israeli military approximately 120-150 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.

Israel, which maintains a naval blockade on Gaza, confirmed the interception, stating that the flotilla was attempting to breach a “legal naval blockade.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry added that the passengers were being safely transferred to an Israeli port for processing and prompt deportation. 

This is the second such flotilla to be intercepted by Israel in recent days, following the seizure of a larger convoy last week. Turkiye’s government has reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to the Palestinian cause and its determination to work towards ending the conflict and securing humanitarian access to Gaza.