Turkey calls Israeli raid on Global Sumud Flotilla 'act of terrorism'
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Turkey’s Foreign Ministry called “Israel’s” interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters a terrorist act and violation of international law.
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A still from the live broadcast of the Global Sumud Flotilla on October 1, 2025 (Global Sumud Flotilla)
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Wednesday, October 1, stating that "Israel's" interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, as it was floating through international waters, is considered an act of terrorism.
"The attack by Israeli forces in international waters on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set out to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, is a terrorist act that constitutes the gravest violation of international law and endangers the lives of innocent civilians," the statement read.
The Turkish governmental body added that "this attack, which targeted civilians acting peacefully without resorting to violence, is proof that the fascist and militarist policies implemented by the genocidal Netanyahu government, which has condemned Gaza to famine, are not limited to Palestinians but target everyone who struggles against the oppression imposed by Israel."
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that they hope that this attack does not end up harming the efforts to achieve a Gaza ceasefire.
"Since the beginning of the voyage, we have been cooperating with other countries whose citizens are among the participants in the flotilla," the Foreign Affairs ministry's statement added. "In this context, all necessary initiatives are being initiated to ensure the swift release of our citizens and other passengers detained by Israeli forces. Legal action will also be taken to hold the perpetrators of the attack accountable."
Read more: Aid flotilla prepares for worst-case scenario as it nears Gaza
The ministry called on the UN and relevant international organizations to "take immediate action to lift the unlawful blockade on Gaza, allow humanitarian aid to enter the region, and ensure freedom of navigation."
Global Sumud Flotilla releases statement on Israeli raid
The humanitarian flotilla seeking to break the Israeli siege on Gaza released a statement on Wednesday declaring that Israeli occupation forces carried out an “illegal interception and act of piracy” against its aid ships.
The flotilla emphasized that its destination was the Gaza Strip, not Israeli ports, contrary to claims made by the Israeli navy.
Footage circulating on social media shows the Israeli occupation navy vessels intercepting the #GlobalSumudFlotilla boats.#GazaGenocide #Palestine pic.twitter.com/FxAwrIDask
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 1, 2025
The humanitarian flotilla noted that their onboard cameras were disabled, after which Israeli soldiers invaded several ships and ordered the flotilla to divert toward the port of occupied Ashdod under the guise of inspecting humanitarian supplies.
The Global Sumud Flotilla highlighted that a state of emergency was declared by the Israeli occupation forces while on the vessels, where they jammed communication systems and disabled surveillance cameras.
Contact was lost with several ships while four naval mines were detected nearby, alongside over 20 Israeli warships.
The flotilla reported that the Israeli occupation declared a state of emergency on the vessels, jamming communication systems and disabling surveillance cameras. Contact was lost with several ships, while four naval mines were detected nearby, and more than 20 Israeli warships were seen surrounding the flotilla.
