(MENAFN) Türkiye is closely tracking the condition of its nationals who were aboard ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla targeted by Israeli forces in international waters, according to diplomatic sources.

Officials noted that the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv has taken measures to extend consular assistance to citizens detained during the incident. Families of those on board have also been kept updated about developments.

Reports from the flotilla’s monitoring system confirmed that at least 317 activists were detained from 21 ships, including 25 Turkish citizens. The mission, which carried mostly humanitarian relief and medical supplies, departed at the end of August. It was the first time in years that more than 50 vessels had sailed collectively toward Gaza, with a total of 532 civilian supporters representing over 45 countries.

Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million people, for almost 18 years. In March, the restrictions were further tightened when border crossings were closed and the entry of food and medicine was halted, worsening famine conditions in the enclave.

Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 66,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. The UN and human rights organizations have consistently warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with starvation and disease rapidly spreading.

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