Erdoğan condemned Israel's attack on the flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned Israel's actions against the "Global Sumud Flotilla" carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Reuters reported this.

 

It was reported that during his speech in Ankara, Erdogan called the flotilla participants "travelers of hope" and urged the international community to take measures against Israel's actions.

 

According to the flotilla organizers, on Tuesday, Israeli forces opened fire on at least two ships heading to Gaza. Videos from live broadcasts showed soldiers firing towards the ships, but the type of weapon used is unclear. Another representative stated that a total of six ships were fired upon.

 

No official information about casualties has been provided so far.

 

According to the organizers, the Israeli navy stopped 44 ships of the flotilla in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Another six ships are continuing their journey.

 

The Israeli army refused to comment on the incident. The country's Foreign Ministry had previously stated that a violation of the "legal maritime blockade" against Gaza would not be allowed.

 

Turkey's Foreign Ministry called Israel's actions an "act of piracy" and a violation of international law. According to Ankara, the flotilla set out to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and deliver aid.

 

It was noted that the "Global Sumud Flotilla" set out from southern Turkey for the third time, with 426 people from 39 countries participating.

 

The US Treasury Department announced that it had imposed sanctions on four individuals linked to the flotilla. Washington assessed them as "HAMAS supporters."

 

Pro-Palestinian activists emphasize that the amount of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza is still insufficient. A large portion of the over 2 million population in Gaza has been forced to leave their homes due to the war.