Türkiye’s AK Party calls Israel to release activists ‘it detained during its hostile attack on Sumud Flotilla’

By Busra Nur Cakmak

Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party on Thursday called on Israel to release the activists “it detained during its hostile attack on Sumud Flotilla.”

“Israel must immediately release our citizens and all passengers it detained during its hostile attack on the Sumud Flotilla,” said the party spokesperson Omer Celik on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

“Israel’s attacks have once again been recorded as ‘crimes against humanity’ and a continuation of genocidal actions. Those responsible for these attacks must inevitably be punished under the law. These contemporary Nazis will be held to account sooner or later,” he said.

Saluting the activists, Celik said that the flotilla’s voyage has once again shown that humanity will not turn away from its course and despite physical obstacles, the goal will ultimately be reached.

“This noble voyage has strengthened in our hearts the cause of a Free Palestine and “GAZA — HOME OF HUMANITY.” May the path and journey of those who struggle for Gaza be blessed,” he added.

Israeli naval forces attacked the international aid flotilla with 44 ships bound for the besieged Gaza Strip and detained 223 activists on board late Wednesday, according to a statement by the organizers.

The activists aboard the ships attacked by Israel were of various nationalities, including Spaniards, Italians, Brazilians, Turks, Greeks, Americans, Germans, Swedes, British, and French citizens, and many others.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the detained activists were on their way to Israel's Ashdod Port, from where they will be deported to Europe.

The official flotilla tracker showed that 21 vessels had been attacked by the Israeli forces, with 23 others were en route to Gaza.