Total of 30 Turkish citizens taken by Israeli forces as probe launched
The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation after Israeli naval commandos arrested Turkish citizens on board the Gaza aid flotilla.
The probe concerns “Turkish citizens arrested following the attack carried out by elements of the Israeli navy in international waters against the Global Sumud flotilla”, a statement said.
It cited the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and said it would look into “aggravated looting, material damage, and torture”. Turkish media said 30 Turkish citizens in all were taken by Israeli forces.
Turkiye denounced the “act of terrorism” by Israel after the flotilla was intercepted, adding it hoped the incident “will not compromise efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza”.
Malaysia PM: ‘Israeli regime must be stopped immediately’
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he’s been informed of the detention of 23 Malaysians on board Gaza aid flotilla ships, by Israeli commandos.
Anwar said in a video posted on social media he will seek the assistance of Middle Eastern leaders – including Turkiye, Egypt and Qatar – to secure their release.
“Once again, I emphasise that the injustices perpetrated by the Israeli regime must be stopped immediately. Malaysia will not remain silent when the rights and dignity of our people are trampled upon,” Anwar said.
Israel’s interception of Gaza flotilla ‘a grave offence’, says South Africa
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says Israel’s capture of boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla is a “grave offence” against “global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza”.
Ramaphosa called on Israel to immediately release South Africans on the flotilla, including anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela.
“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza not confrontation with Israel,” he said.
“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.”
