Turkey's Former PM Plans Gaza Visit Following Israeli Intervention of Aid Vessel

Former Turkish Foreign Minister and Future Party leader Ahmet Davutoğlu announced his intention to visit Gaza following Israel's interception of the humanitarian aid vessel Madleen, which was carrying supplies to the besieged Palestinian territory. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Turkish political figures and renewed calls for international action.

According to Turkish news outlet T24, the Madleen sailboat was intercepted by Israeli forces approximately 185 kilometers from the Gaza Strip while carrying humanitarian aid. The vessel's 12 activists, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, were detained, and the ship was escorted to Israel.

Among those detained were Turkish citizens Yasemin Acar and Hüseyin Şuayb Ordu, a German national of Turkish origin. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's office announced that the arrested activists would be shown footage of Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks, a move that has drawn additional criticism from Turkish officials.

Political Response and Diplomatic Initiatives

Davutoğlu condemned the Israeli action through social media, stating that immediate action must be taken to rescue the passengers from "Israeli barbarians." He emphasized that providing logistical support to new flotillas has become "a humanitarian duty."

The Future Party leader announced his plans to pursue official channels through Egypt to visit Gaza after the upcoming religious holiday, calling on other political party leaders to join this collective effort. "I call upon the general chairmen of political parties once again to act together in this direction," Davutoğlu stated.

The incident represents another escalation in tensions between Turkey and Israel, with Turkish officials criticizing what they perceive as international inaction regarding Israel's blockade of Gaza and its treatment of humanitarian aid missions.

Photo: T24

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