Ankara: Trkiye's Justice and Development (AK) Party has called for the immediate release of activists detained by Israel during what it described as a 'hostile attack' on the Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted as it attempted to break Israel's blockade of the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, party spokesperson Omer Celik used the Turkish social media platform NSosyal to demand the release of the detained individuals. Celik criticized Israel's actions, labeling them as 'crimes against humanity' and a continuation of 'genocidal actions.' He expressed confidence that those responsible would eventually face legal consequences.
Celik praised the humanitarian efforts of the activists, emphasizing that their mission demonstrated the unwavering commitment to the cause of a free Palestine and support for Gaza. He conveyed blessings for the activists' journey, referring to Gaza as the "home of humanity."
In addition, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus expressed strong condemnation of Israel's actions. During a meeting of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Committee, he denounced the attacks as violations of international and humanitarian law, predicting that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his associates would face increasing isolation on the global stage.
This incident involved Israeli naval forces attacking an international aid flotilla comprising 44 ships, which were en route to the Gaza Strip. The attack resulted in the detention of 223 activists from various countries, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Greece, the United States, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and France. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that the detained activists would be deported to Europe via Israel's Ashdod Port.
The flotilla organizers stated that 21 vessels had been intercepted by Israeli forces, while 23 others continued their course towards Gaza. The backdrop to these events is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where, since October 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The sustained blockade has exacerbated conditions in the region, leading to severe humanitarian crises.