Turkey, UN Rapporter Condemn Gaza Flotilla Raid
Turkey and a UN expert condemn Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla as a breach of international law.
Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted in international waters amid renewed international criticism. Photo: Global Sumud Flotilla
April 30, 2026 Hour: 7:17 am
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Ankara calls interception “an act of piracy” while UN expert questions legality of Israel’s actions at sea
Turkey and a UN Special Rapporteur have strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Greece, describing the operation as a violation of international law and maritime norms.
RELATED: Global Sumud Flotilla Denounces Israeli Interception in International Waters
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday described the interception as “an act of piracy,” stating that targeting a civilian convoy attempting to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza violated international law and humanitarian principles.
The ministry further said the operation breached the principle of freedom of navigation on the high seas and urged the international community to take a unified stance against what it called an illegal act. It also confirmed that Ankara is coordinating with relevant countries to ensure the safety of Turkish nationals and other passengers aboard the flotilla.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese also criticized the interception, questioning Israel’s actions in international waters. Writing on X, she stated: “besides what you can think of Apartheid Israel and its genocidal leaders, this should send shock waves across Europe. Apartheid without borders.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Barcelona on April 12 with more than 70 boats and nearly 1,000 volunteers, marking its second attempt to break the blockade on Gaza and significantly expanding a previous mission launched in September.
Spokesperson Pablo Castilla said the initiative aims “to condemn international complicity in what is happening in Gaza, demand accountability, and open a humanitarian corridor by sea and land.” He also noted that global attention to Gaza has declined amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and ongoing hostilities in Lebanon.
Castilla added: “Israel has intensified the blockade on Gaza, restricted aid entry, expanded settlements, and accelerated land confiscation.”
During the first attempt in September, Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessels approximately 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) off the Gaza coast, cutting communications and using drones to disrupt live broadcasts, according to organizers.
The latest interception has renewed international debate over the legality of maritime blockades and the protection of humanitarian missions to Gaza.
Author: MK
Source: Al Mayadeen / Agencies
