Ankara: The Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla in international waters has been labeled as an "act of piracy committed by the genocidal Netanyahu government," according to a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. The ministry emphasized that this attack on civilian activists, which included Turkish citizens and members of parliament, is a significant breach of international law.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement further elaborated that Israel's violent actions against efforts promoting humanitarian values and peaceful means are exacerbating regional tensions and hindering progress towards achieving lasting peace. The Turkish government has initiated necessary measures to ensure the safe return of its citizens detained by Israeli forces aboard the Freedom Flotilla. The ministry is also closely monitoring the status of other activists in collaboration with relevant countries.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and working towards ending what it termed as genocide in Gaza. This incident occurred after Israeli naval forces recently attacked and seized more than 40 boats from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining over 450 activists, most of whom have since been deported.

Israel has a history of attacking Gaza-bound ships, confiscating their cargo, and deporting activists. The blockade on Gaza, which has been in place for nearly 18 years, was tightened further in March, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by closing border crossings and blocking essential deliveries of food and medicine. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of nearly 67,200 Palestinians in Gaza, predominantly women and children, leaving the area uninhabitable. Meanwhile, negotiations to end the ongoing conflict are reportedly underway in Egypt, following a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.