Turkey decried Israel over its interception of a flotilla bound for Gaza in violation of its naval blockade, labeling it a “new act of piracy.”
Israeli naval forces intercepted 36 of the 54 vessels headed for Gaza off the coast of Cyprus as of Monday, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla’s website, roughly 250 miles from their intended destination. The interceptions happened largely without incident, and the activists were transferred to an Israeli landing craft. The ships took off from the Turkish port of Marmaris, and appear to have been tacitly supported by the Turkish government.
“Israel’s attacks and intimidation policies will in no way prevent the international community from seeking justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“We invite the international community to take a common and determined stance against Israel’s lawless actions without delay,” it added.
RED ALERT!
Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and IOF forces are boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight.
We demand safe passage for our legal, non-violent humanitarian mission. Governments must act now to stop these illegal acts or piracy meant to… pic.twitter.com/4RmPuswZNo
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) May 18, 2026
The ministry called for the immediate release of the activists, who hail from roughly 40 different countries.
Turkey has become increasingly hostile towards Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, and positioned itself as a main international advocate for the Palestinian cause. The degradation of Iran and more ambiguous stance towards the Palestinian issue from the Gulf countries has helped elevate Turkey to one of the Palestinians’ main supporters on the international stage.
ISRAEL-LEBANON CEASEFIRE EXTENDED BY 45 DAYS FOR CONTINUED TALKS
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest of several naval aid convoys to travel to Gaza since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War, continuing a pattern of attempts to reach the exclave by sea since Jerusalem imposed a naval blockade following Hamas’s takeover.
The most viral flotilla since the beginning of the war in Gaza was a Global Sumud Flotilla that set sail in September 2025, joined by climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla was intercepted before it could reach Gaza, and the activists were deported after a short time in detention.