Türkiye opens probe into Gaza flotilla's ‘hijacking, deprivation of liberty'

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said on Thursday that it has launched an inquiry after the arrest of Turkish nationals who were on board the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

According to a statement carried by local media, the probe is about “24 Turkish citizens arrested following the attack carried out by elements of the Israeli navy in international waters against the Global Sumud flotilla.”

The prosecutor’s office cited provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, adding that the probe would examine possible offences including “deprivation of liberty, hijacking or detention of means of transport, aggravated looting, material damage, and torture."

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Reports in Turkish media suggested that a total of 30 nationals had been detained by Israeli forces and were being prepared for deportation to Europe.

Separately, Türkiye’s foreign ministry condemned the interception, describing it as “an act of terrorism” and warning that such actions could undermine ongoing efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.

Despite the crackdown, the Global Sumud Flotilla said on Thursday morning that some of its boats were still pressing ahead towards Gaza.