Turkey has condemned the intervention of Israeli forces against the "Sumud" Global Flotilla, headed towards Gaza with humanitarian aid, describing the operation as "a new act of piracy" in international waters.
In the official statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the Israeli army intervened against the flotilla carrying activists and citizens from nearly 40 countries around the world, including Albanian activist Baki Goxhaj, who had joined the international mission in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Ankara stated that Israel's "attacks and policies of intimidation" will not stop international solidarity with Gaza and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained participants.
"We condemn the intervention carried out by Israeli forces in international waters against the 'Sumud' Global Flotilla, which was formed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and which constitutes a new act of piracy," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Turkish authorities also announced that they are closely following developments and are taking steps for the safe return of Turkish citizens who were on board the flotilla.
