The Turkish foreign ministry said the assault was further evidence of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “genocidal and militarist policies,” slamming Israel for targeting not only Palestinians but also all who oppose its blockade and oppression.
“This attack, which targeted civilians acting peacefully without resorting to violence, is proof that the fascist and militarist policies implemented by the genocidal Netanyahu government, which has condemned Gaza to famine, are not limited to Palestinians but target everyone who struggles against the oppression imposed by Israel,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that it had coordinated with other governments whose citizens were on board the flotilla and vowed that “all necessary steps are being taken to secure the immediate release of our citizens, other passengers detained by Israeli forces.”
Turkey said legal action would be pursued to hold Israeli officials accountable and called on the United Nations and international organizations to move urgently to lift the “unlawful blockade on Gaza” and safeguard freedom of navigation.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz denounced the attack as “unlawful and barbaric,” saying it was “unacceptable” and an assault “on the collective conscience of humanity.”
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus condemned what he called “a clear violation of international law and a crime,” while Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran warned Israel’s criminal actions would be remembered as “a dark stain in history.”
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza said Israeli forces rammed one of the flotilla’s vessels, deployed water cannons, and “brutally mistreated peaceful detainees from 50 countries around the world.”
Organizers demanded urgent international intervention, warning that “governments must act, as peoples across world capitals are rising in anger.”
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies, departed at the end of August and was expected to reach Gaza on Thursday morning before Israeli forces intercepted it.