Israeli naval forces have attacked a humanitarian convoy in the Mediterranean in what Turkey has condemned as an act of piracy, jamming the flotilla’s communications and opening fire with directed weapons before towing several vessels to Ashdod.
The Israeli navy has attacked a humanitarian flotilla in neutral waters of the eastern Mediterranean, according to local media reports on Thursday.
Military sources indicate that Israel’s naval forces launched an operation to intercept vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
The flotilla was carrying aid supplies destined for the Gaza Strip. It comprised 58 ships and 345 participants from 39 different countries.
Israeli patrol boats approached the convoy, jamming both communications and navigation systems. Participants have reported that troops trained weapons on them and ordered a change of course. Several vessels have already been detained and are expected to be towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Turkey’s foreign ministry has officially labelled Israel’s actions an “act of piracy,” stating that they breach international law and the freedom of navigation. Ankara has also confirmed that it is coordinating necessary measures with other nations to ensure the safety of Turkish citizens and other members of the flotilla.
