The Turkish government on Monday condemned "Israel" as a "terrorist state" after its naval forces intercepted the Madleen, a vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), in international waters while it was en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Ankara slammed the incident as a “clear violation of international law,” accusing the Israeli government of endangering maritime security and undermining freedom of navigation.

“This heinous attack by the Netanyahu government, which also threatens freedom of navigation and maritime security, has once again proven that Israel is a terrorist state,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in an official statement.

Je suis journaliste et après avoir couvert pendant une semaine le convoi de la Feeedom Flotilla mon arrestation par l'armée israélienne est imminente. Des humanitaires et des journalistes n'ont pas être arrêté J'appelle tous mes confrères à se mobiliser. @blast_france pic.twitter.com/T1hiNZXLQf

— Yanis Mhamdi (@yanmdi) June 8, 2025

Turkish diplomatic sources confirmed that its embassy in Tel Aviv is working to secure the release of the detained Turkish citizens as quickly as possible.

Among the 12 international activists aboard the Madleen were two Turkish nationals: Yasemin Acar, a dual German-Turkish citizen, and Suayb Ordu. Both were part of the crew detained by Israeli forces following the ship’s interception.

Freedom Flotilla sought to break Gaza blockade

The British-flagged Madleen was carrying a symbolic cargo of humanitarian supplies, including rice and baby formula intended for Gaza. Organized by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the mission aimed to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

The vessel never reached its destination. According to FFC’s Telegram channel, the ship was intercepted in the early hours of Monday before it could breach the Israeli naval blockade.

Details of the raid

"Israel's" Foreign Ministry had criticized the mission, suggesting that activists like Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg were attempting to provoke media attention for publicity.

The ministry published a video showing detained activists being escorted, along with an X post saying, "The show is over." 

SOS messages to follow#alleyesonMadleen pic.twitter.com/O02sv5c1jW

— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025

The FFC reported that quadcopters were deployed by Israeli forces and used to surround the ship before spraying it with an unidentified “white liquid.” The full nature of the substance remains unclear.

The Madleen was encircled by the Israeli Navy before towing it to Ashdod port. Israeli authorities confirmed that the 12 pro-Palestine activists on board were detained and will be deported back to their home countries. 

Read more: 'Israel' orders military to stop Gaza flotilla Madleen 'by any means'