site.btaTurkish Prosecutors Launch Probe into Israel’s Attack on Global Sumud Humanitarian Aid Flotilla

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday launched a probe into Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The investigation follows the Israeli navy’s action in international waters off the coast of Greece and the detention of 175 pro-Palestinian activists, including 20 Turkish nationals, on board, according to Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber.

The prosecutor’s office said in a statement that the probe is being conducted under relevant provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Article 15 of the Turkish Criminal Procedural Code, and Articles 12 and 13 of the Turkish Penal Code. The investigation covers charges including deprivation of liberty, hijacking or seizure of transport vehicles, aggravated robbery, damage to property, and torture, the statement said.

Turkish authorities announced that the Israeli army attacked the Global Flotilla in international waters more than 600 miles from Gaza and several miles from Greek territorial waters and detained twenty Turkish activists. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s detention of the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Grand National Assembly of Turkiye adopted a resolution condemning the incident. The resolution described the intervention as a violation of international law and added the incident was an act of “piracy” and called for the immediate release of those detained. The resolution reiterated calls for an end to Israeli occupation and actions against Palestinians, while urging the international community to ensure accountability for alleged violations of international law. The unanimously approved decision has been published in the Official Gazette, the Anadolu agency said.

On Thursday night, people in Istanbul marched during a rally to protest against the interception of the Gaza aid ships Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces near Greek waters.