Turkey’s foreign ministry calls Israel’s interception of an activist flotilla seeking to breach the blockade on Gaza an act of piracy, and a grave violation of international law.
It says the flotilla included Turkish nationals and lawmakers, and its interception showed that the “genocidal” Israeli government targets all peaceful measures and heightens tensions in the region while damaging peace efforts.
Turkey adds in its statement that all initiatives are being taken for Turkish citizens held by Israel to be freed and returned to Turkey, and that it is coordinating with other countries regarding their citizens too.
The flotilla, the second to be intercepted in a week, said it sought to breach Israel’s blockade on Gaza — imposed to stop arms imports to Hamas after the terror group took over the Strip in 2007 — and deliver symbolic humanitarian aid.
Israel has invited flotillas to drop aid off at the Ashdod port, for delivery to Gaza in coordination with international groups. The flotillas have refused.
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