Türkiye strongly condemned Israel on Monday for intercepting the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship "Madleen" in international waters, calling it "a clear violation of international law."
In a written statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the vessel, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and included Turkish nationals on board, was stopped by Israeli forces while sailing in international waters.
"The intervention of the Israeli forces against the ship "Madleen," which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, including our citizens on board, while it was in international waters, is a clear violation of international law," it said.
"This heinous act by the Netanyahu government, which threatens the freedom of navigation and maritime security, once again demonstrates that Israel is acting as a terrorist state," the ministry added.
The ministry accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon in Gaza and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, calling it part of what it described as ongoing genocidal policies.
