The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday that it has launched an investigation after Israeli forces detained Turkish citizens aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid.
According to a statement cited by Turkish media, the probe focuses on “24 Turkish citizens arrested following the attack by elements of the Israeli navy in international waters against the Global Sumud flotilla.”
The statement referred to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, noting that the investigation would examine possible crimes including “deprivation of liberty, hijacking or detention of means of transport, aggravated looting, material damage, and torture.”
Turkish outlets reported that a total of 30 nationals were arrested and transferred by Israeli forces for deportation to Europe.
Late Wednesday, Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the interceptions as “an act of terrorism” and warned that such actions could undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Despite the incident, the flotilla announced on Thursday morning that it would continue its mission towards the Palestinian territory.
