2026-05-05 07:25
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2026-05-05 07:25
Türkiye is preparing to launch a new flotilla to try to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. 20 boats are preparing to leave Turkey, the Jerusalem Post reported on Monday.
For the first time, there is a real fear that an armed clash may break out between the sides, Israeli media warned. Diplomats are working behind the scenes to ease tensions, and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials said Israel is currently using diplomatic channels to prevent the flotilla from sailing from Turkey, it added.
The Israeli Navy has begun preparations to intercept the flotilla if necessary. The proximity to the Turkish coast significantly increases the risk of confrontation, the Jerusalem Post emphasized.
The flotilla is organized by the Turkish Humanitarian Aid Foundation, which organized the “Mavi Marmara” initiative in 2010. The flotilla was attacked by Israeli special forces while trying to break through the Israeli blockade of the Gaz Stripy. Nine Turkish activists died in the incident. In response to the attack, Türkiye severed diplomatic relations with Israel. They were renewed only at the end of June 2016. Israel also agreed to pay compensation to the victims' families.
Israeli troops intercepted a pro-Palestinian flotilla west of the Greek island of Crete last week. The flotilla consisted of approximately 100 boats, 20 of which were captured. 175 activists were detained and deported.
The Global Sumud Flotilla organized a similar action in the fall of 2025. Nearly 500 people set off for the Gaza Strip. The convoy was stopped by the Israeli Navy, the activists were captured, taken to Israel, and then deported.
The organizers of the flotilla declare that they want to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and symbolically break the Israeli naval blockade. Israel says it maintains the blockade legally, although the legality of these actions is disputed.
In the years 2023-2025, the war between Israel and Hamas continued in the Gaza Strip, which – as the UN emphasizes – led to a humanitarian catastrophe. According to the Palestinian authorities, at least 72,000 people died during this period as a result of the actions of Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip. people. The Israeli offensive was in retaliation for the Hamas attack on Israel in early October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people. (PAP)
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