Istanbul: The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens during Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.

According to Anadolu Agency, the investigation follows an announcement by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which stated that the probe is focused on the detention of Turkish citizens after the Israeli navy's assault on the flotilla. The Global Sumud Flotilla was on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza when it was intercepted.

The investigation is being carried out under several legal frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Article 15 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and Articles 12 and 13 of the Turkish Criminal Code. The charges being considered include 'deprivation of liberty,' 'hijacking or seizure of means of transport,' 'aggravated robbery,' 'damage to property,' and 'torture.'

In a related development, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has also initiated an investigation under Article 13 of the Turkish Criminal Code. This article allows for Turkish jurisdiction over international crimes committed by foreign nationals outside of Turkey.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 40 vessels and more than 500 volunteers from around 40 countries, was attacked on Wednesday approximately 80 nautical miles from Gaza. Over 220 activists aboard were detained by Israeli forces.

Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million residents, for almost 18 years. The blockade was tightened further in March, leading to severe shortages of food and medicine and pushing the region towards famine.

Since October 2023, the Israeli military has reportedly killed more than 66,100 Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom were women and children. The UN and various rights organizations have issued warnings that the conditions in Gaza are becoming unlivable, with widespread starvation and disease.