18.05.2026 13:20
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the intervention by Israeli forces in international waters against the Global Sumud Fleet carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained participants. Among those detained on the Sumud fleet are Turkish citizens Fatma Zengin, Bilali Yıldırım, Sibel Duyan, Zeynel Abidin Özkan, Yasin Yalçın, Validin Asaf, Tunç Yılmaz, Mustafa Şimşek, Mustafa Güzkaya, Muhammed Ensar Aslan, and Emrullah Demir.
The Israeli army launched an attack in international waters in the Mediterranean to seize the Global Sumud Fleet, which aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the operation, during which contact was lost with 23 boats.
The Ministry issued a written statement regarding Israel's intervention against the "Global Sumud Fleet."
In the statement, the intervention in international waters against the fleet formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was described as "a new act of piracy" and was strongly condemned.
The statement emphasized that the fleet in question was an example of international solidarity, noting that citizens from approximately 40 countries were on board the ships. It included the words: "Israel's attacks and intimidation policies will in no way prevent the international community's quest for justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people."
"PARTICIPANTS MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY"
The statement, which noted that the Israeli administration must end its actions that disregard international law, said: "Israel must immediately cease its intervention and unconditionally release the detained fleet participants. Necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of our citizens on the fleet to our country, and the process is being closely monitored in cooperation with other countries. We invite the international community to take a joint and resolute stance without delay against Israel's lawless actions."
CONTACT LOST WITH 23 BOATS
The Israeli army launched an attack in international waters in the Mediterranean to seize the Global Sumud Fleet, which aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
The Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Desk announced that two warships were seen among the boats in the fleet off the coast of Cyprus, while videos were shared showing Israeli navy boats approaching and harassing some boats.
While reports of "the intervention having begun" also appeared in the Israeli press, some activists on the boats were seen in live broadcasts throwing their phones into the sea and raising their hands due to Israeli soldiers approaching them.
Crisis Desk officials also reported that Israeli soldiers boarded some boats and contact was lost with 23 boats in the fleet.
Officials noted that the boats subjected to the unlawful intervention included "Cactus", "Zio Faster", "Holy Blue", "Munki", and "Sadabad."
In reports from the Israeli press, it was stated that 100 participants in the fleet were unlawfully detained, and that the activists would first be taken to a ship converted into a prison and then transferred to the Port of Ashdod (Usdud) in southern Israel.
TURKISH CITIZENS ALSO AMONG THOSE DETAINED
According to information provided by Crisis Desk officials, Turkish citizens unlawfully detained by the Israeli army in international waters include Fatma Zengin, Bilali Yıldırım, Sibel Duyan, Zeynel Abidin Özkan, Yasin Yalçın, Validin Asaf, Tunç Yılmaz, Mustafa Şimşek, Mustafa Güzkaya, Muhammed Ensar Aslan, and Emrullah Demir.
Ayçin Kantoğlu, a board member of the Global Sumud Fleet, said in a video statement: "The activists are carrying out a nonviolent and civilian action. They are trying to open a humanitarian aid corridor there by highlighting the needs of a people suffering genocide. They are not involved in any crime that would warrant their detention."
Kantoğlu emphasized that the participants in the fleet were unarmed and their actions were nonviolent, stating: "Therefore, this intervention is not in accordance with international law. It is also not in accordance with the human conscience."