30.04.2026 13:31
The Ministry of National Defense described Israel’s intervention in the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters as a “clear violation of international law.” The Ministry stated that developments in the Eastern Mediterranean are closely monitored and that the Turkish Armed Forces have taken all necessary measures within the framework of humanitarian aid and support. In a statement from the fleet, it was reported that 21 boats were detained and 18 Turkish activists were detained.
The Ministry of National Defense issued a statement regarding the intervention by Israeli forces against the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters. The Ministry reported that the intervention targeting the fleet, formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, not only targets humanitarian values but also the safety of navigation in international waters.
In the statement from the Ministry of National Defense, it said, "The intervention carried out by Israeli forces in international waters against the Global Sumud Fleet, formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, is a clear violation of international law. This act not only targets humanitarian values but also the safety of navigation in international waters."
"DEVELOPMENTS ARE BEING CLOSELY AND SENSITIVELY MONITORED"
The Ministry emphasized Turkey's position in the Eastern Mediterranean and highlighted that developments in the region are being closely monitored. The statement said, "As the country with the longest coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean, developments occurring in the region are being closely and sensitively monitored." The Ministry of National Defense also stated that the Turkish Armed Forces are taking all necessary measures within the scope of humanitarian aid and support. The statement used the phrases, "All necessary measures are being taken by our Turkish Armed Forces, as we have done before, within the framework of humanitarian aid and support."
ISRAEL DETAINED 21 BOATS
The Global Sumud Fleet, which set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, announced that 21 boats were detained during the intervention by the Israeli army in international waters. In a statement from the fleet, it was reported that 17 surviving boats entered Greek territorial waters, and 14 boats were sailing towards Greek territorial waters. The Global Sumud Fleet also announced that 18 Turkish activists were detained during the Israeli forces' intervention.
INTERVENTION OFF THE COASTS OF CRETE
The "2026 Spring Mission" of the Global Sumud Fleet, aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the region, set sail from Sicily into the Mediterranean with 65 boats. The Israeli navy began its intervention against the fleet in international waters, approximately 50 miles west of the island of Crete, around 23:00 on April 29. The fleet announced that it was blockaded by warships and drones.
"THEY POINTED THEIR WEAPONS AT US"
In a statement made on social media during the intervention, the Global Sumud Fleet said Israeli soldiers approached the boats and pointed weapons at the participants. The statement used the phrases, "Military boats approached our ships, identified themselves as Israeli ships, pointed lasers and semi-automatic weapons at us, and ordered participants to move to the front of the boats and kneel down."
ISRAEL: WE HAVE STARTED SEIZING THE SHIPS
According to a report by Israeli Army Radio, an Israeli source said they have begun seizing ships from the aid fleet destined for Gaza far from the Israeli coast. Israel's Channel 12 television also reported that one ship from the fleet was seized by the Israeli navy. In its statement on the matter, the Israeli army said the navy is determined to maintain the blockade imposed on Gaza and is prepared for various scenarios.
STRONG STATEMENT FROM THE FLEET: CIVILIANS KIDNAPPED
In its written statement regarding the Israeli intervention, the Global Sumud Fleet stated that Israeli forces seized boats hundreds of miles from the Gazan coast, disrupted communication, and detained civilians. The statement described the events in the open sea near Crete as "piracy," saying, "No state has the right to claim, control, or occupy international waters. That is exactly what Israel did."
345 PARTICIPANTS FROM 39 COUNTRIES
According to information shared by officials from the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Desk, the fleet includes 345 participants from 39 different countries. 20 additional boats joined the 39 boats that departed from Spain on April 12 in Italy. The convoy of 59 boats set sail towards Gaza on April 26. The fleet also includes 2 observation ships belonging to Open Arms and Greenpeace. 178 participants joined from Spain, and 167 from Italy. It was announced that there were 31 Turkish activists in the fleet, 18 of whom were detained.
IRISH PRESIDENT'S SISTER ALSO IN THE FLEET
The fleet also includes Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. In her post, Connolly appealed to the Irish government, saying, "Please ensure that Shannon Airport is no longer used by the US military. Stop our airport from being used to bomb Gaza and Palestine."
FOREIGN MINISTRY: THE ATTACK IS AN ACT OF PIRACY
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reacted to Israel's intervention against the Global Sumud Fleet. The Ministry's statement included the phrases, "The attack carried out by Israeli forces in international waters against the Global Sumud Fleet, formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, is an act of piracy." The statement noted that Israel violated the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters and called for a joint stance from the international community.
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR DURAN: AN UNACCEPTABLE ATTACK
Communications Director Burhanettin Duran also reacted to the intervention. Duran stated, "The intervention carried out by Israel in international waters against the Global Sumud Fleet, which set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, is a clear violation of law and an unacceptable attack." Duran stated that the situation of Turkish citizens and other passengers in the fleet is being closely monitored in coordination with the relevant countries.