The Turkish Parliament unanimously approved a memorandum on Thursday, condemning the Israeli occupation forces' interception of the "Global Flotilla of Steadfastness" in international waters as a "war crime and an act of piracy." The memorandum called for holding Israel accountable for its alleged crimes against humanity. Reports indicated that Israel seized the boats late on Wednesday in international waters off Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula. Israeli forces intercepted the convoy, part of a second Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to break an Israeli blockade by delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel intercepted 22 of 58 aid boats, from a flotilla involving approximately 40 vessels, and detained roughly 450 participants, including Turkish nationals and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Flotilla organizers stated Israel “kidnapped” 211 of the 400 activists taking part.
Parliament's Strong Stance
The memorandum adopted by the Turkish Parliament asserted that occupation authorities had added a new crime to their record of genocide offenses by engaging in piracy against the Flotilla of Steadfastness. It stated that these actions obstructed the delivery of humanitarian aid and illegally detained 175 international activists. The memorandum issued a warning to the occupation authorities, stating they had exceeded all limits of human tolerance, and demanded the immediate release of the forcibly detained activists. Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry also condemned Israel’s seizure of the boats in the flotilla as "an act of piracy." The Turkish Parliament reiterated its call for the international community and world parliaments to adopt a firm stance to end the occupation and apartheid policies, and to ensure aid reaches the Gaza Strip.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the repercussions of the Israeli aggression on the flotilla in international waters with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis. Their phone call addressed ways to respond to this violation of navigation and regional security. This incident marks the second time the "Global Flotilla of Steadfastness" initiative has faced Israeli aggression in international waters. Turkey had previously issued arrest warrants in November for Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. The Gaza Strip currently faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis due to the Israeli war and severe restrictions on life-saving aid, despite announced ceasefire agreements.
International Reactions and Legal Action
Italy called for the immediate release of Italian nationals who were aboard the flotilla. Germany, in a joint statement with Italy, expressed "great concern" regarding the developments and urged respect for international law. Spain’s Foreign Ministry stated it "energetically condemns" Israel’s seizure of the flotilla, which included Spanish nationals among its participants. Madrid subsequently summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires to convey its protest against the detention of the vessels. Hamas also condemned the interception, accusing Israel of committing a crime without accountability.
Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained activists. "The crew of the intercepted vessels must be immediately and unconditionally released," Amnesty International stated, adding, "While in custody, the Israeli authorities must ensure that all activists are immediately granted access to consular support, treated humanely and protected from torture and other ill-treatment." Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded by calling the flotilla organisers "professional provocateurs" and asserted that its forces acted lawfully. The Ministry added, "Due to the large numbers of vessels participating in the flotilla and the risk of escalation, and the need to prevent the breach of a lawful blockade, an early action was required in accordance with international law."
Meanwhile, Turkey’s chief prosecutor in Istanbul filed a sweeping indictment against 35 senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday, over the Israeli naval interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla. The indictment accuses the officials of involvement in a military operation against civilian vessels in international waters during the October “Sumud” flotilla to Gaza. Prosecutors are seeking severe penalties, including life imprisonment and additional cumulative sentences ranging from 1,102 to 4,596 years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the list of those charged.
Indictment Details and Allegations
The indictment from Turkey's chief prosecutor in Istanbul names Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among 35 senior Israeli officials. Other officials cited include Defense Minister Israel Katz, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Israeli Navy Commander Vice Adm. David Salama. Former IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, lawmaker Tally Gotliv, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen are also included in the legal documentation.
The vessels involved in the incident were part of a second Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break an Israeli blockade by delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. These boats had sailed from the Spanish port of Barcelona on April 12, 2026. The indictment argues that the interception was not a legitimate security measure under international law, describing it as an act with "serious consequences." It includes allegations of crimes against humanity, genocide, unlawful detention, abuse, looting, and damage to property. Prosecutors allege that flotilla participants were forcibly held, some were physically harmed, and denied freedom of movement and access to assistance. All detained participants were later deported. The operation was described as planned and coordinated by senior Israeli political and military leadership. Israeli officials have not formally responded to the indictment.