Ankara: Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla in international waters is being condemned as 'another example of banditry and disregard for law,' according to a statement from a Turkish official. Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran expressed his disapproval on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, calling the attack on peaceful civilian activists, including Turkish citizens and members of parliament, unacceptable.

According to Anadolu Agency, the attack occurred as Israeli naval forces targeted ships from the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla Coalition's Thousand Madleens to Gaza early Wednesday, approximately 120 nautical miles from the enclave. This incident followed last week's assault on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, where Israeli forces seized more than 40 boats and detained over 450 activists, most of whom have since been deported.

The Israeli navy's actions have drawn international criticism, especially considering Israel's history of attacking Gaza-bound ships, seizing their cargo, and deporting activists. Israel, as the occupying power, has maintained a blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million people, for nearly 18 years. The blockade was tightened in March with the closure of border crossings and the blocking of food and medicine deliveries, leading to severe shortages in the enclave.

Since October 2023, more than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed due to Israeli attacks, rendering Gaza uninhabitable. Negotiations to end the conflict are reportedly underway in Egypt, following a 20-point plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump. Turkey has pledged to take necessary steps for the release of its detained citizens and continues to monitor the situation of the activists involved. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey remains committed to supporting the Palestinian cause and opposing what it views as unlawful and inhumane actions.