On Thursday, the chief prosecutor’s office in Istanbul announced that it had started a formal investigation after Israeli forces stopped a ship heading to Gaza and arrested Turkish citizens who were on board. The ship, known as the Global Sumud flotilla, was carrying both activists and humanitarian aid meant for the people of Gaza.
According to Turkish media, the investigation is focused on the arrest of 24 Turkish citizens. The prosecutor’s office said the arrests happened after the Israeli navy carried out an operation in international waters, where normally no single country has full control. The statement also mentioned the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets international rules about what countries can and cannot do in such waters.
The prosecutors said they would examine whether the Israeli forces had committed serious crimes. These include:
- Unlawfully taking away people’s freedom (illegal detention)
- Seizing or hijacking a ship or vehicle
- Looting or stealing property in a violent way
- Causing serious damage to property
- Torturing or mistreating people
Turkish media further reported that, in total, about 30 Turkish citizens were arrested. They were taken by Israeli forces and prepared for deportation to Europe.
The night before, on Wednesday, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly criticized Israel’s actions. The ministry described the interception of the flotilla as an act of terrorism.”It also expressed hope that such an attack would not harm international efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, where fighting has been ongoing.
Despite the arrests and the interception, the organizers of the flotilla declared on Thursday morning that they would continue their journey toward Gaza. Their goal is still to deliver aid and show support for the Palestinian people.
