Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 18, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 18, 2026
Turkey condemns Israel’s interception of flotilla as ‘act of piracy’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israeli naval commandos intercept boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla off the coast of Cyprus on May 18, 2026. (Global Sumud Flotilla)
Turkey condemns Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla after it set sail from the Turkish port of Marmaris.
The interception, says the Turkish Foreign Ministry, “constitutes a new act of piracy.”
“Israel must immediately cease its intervention and unconditionally release the detained flotilla participants,” says the Turkish statement, adding that “the process is being closely monitored in cooperation with other countries.”
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says that his country’s embassies in Israel, Turkey and Cyprus have asked Israel to ensure the safety of the Italian citizens on the flotilla.
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