Turkey Slams Israeli Attack on 'Madeline' Ship, Calls Israel a Terrorist State

Turkey has strongly condemned an Israeli military attack on the "Madeline" ship, which was carrying activists trying to deliver aid to Gaza.

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the assault was a "clear violation of international law and a direct threat to maritime safety."

They also labeled Israel as a "terrorist state", saying that Ankara is in contact with several other countries whose citizens were on board and have been detained.

The statement went on to say that this "horrific attack by Netanyahu’s government" once again proves Israel is acting like a terrorist state and is putting freedom of navigation and maritime safety at risk.

Turkey added that the international community’s justified response to Israel’s policies — especially its use of hunger as a weapon in Gaza — will continue.

They also said Israel’s aggressive and illegal behavior won’t silence those who stand up for human values.

Fahrettin Altun, head of Turkey’s Communications Directorate, called the attack a "crime against humanity", accusing Israel of systematic destruction and blocking even basic aid to Gaza.

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus called it a "cowardly attack on human dignity", while presidential advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic said the incident shows Netanyahu’s government is using hunger as a weapon against innocent people.

The “Madeline” ship left Sicily, Italy, last Sunday with 12 international activists on board aiming to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

The crew included people from France, Turkey, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Brazil — and a journalist from Al Jazeera Mubasher, Omar Fayyad.

On Monday, Israeli navy boats surrounded the ship and sounded alarms to warn it off as it sailed in international waters.

Then early Tuesday morning, the Israeli military announced its forces had taken control of the ship before it could reach Gaza.