Turkey’s Defense Ministry has said it is closely monitoring civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean and is prepared to assist in line with international law and humanitarian principles.
In a statement on its official X account on Tuesday, the ministry said Turkish naval ships already conducting routine training and operations in the region, along with the country’s search-and-rescue teams, could be assigned to support humanitarian missions if required, in coordination with national agencies and international partners.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg among its participants, departed from Barcelona earlier this month aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.
The United Nations has warned of widespread starvation in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive.
“Turkey will continue, as it has until now, to fulfill its responsibilities everywhere and under all circumstances for the protection of humanitarian values and the safety of innocent civilians,” the ministry said.
Organizers describe the flotilla as the largest collective group of ships ever to set sail for Gaza. It is carrying mostly medical supplies and aims to challenge the blockade imposed by Israel in 2007 after Hamas took control of the territory. International humanitarian groups have criticized the restrictions, which limit the movement of people and goods.
The defense ministry’s announcement followed reports that assets from the Turkish Naval Forces Command had already been providing support at sea and in the air. One vessel in the flotilla, the Johnny M, malfunctioned and began taking on water between Crete and Cyprus. Under Turkish coordination, passengers were evacuated to other boats, and four people were transported to Turkey for assistance.
According to a Reuters report on Monday based on flight data, Turkey has joined Spain, Italy and Greece in monitoring the flotilla despite warnings from Israel to halt the mission.
Reuters said it was unable to confirm the reason for the drone flights. Turkey’s foreign and defense ministries as well as the intelligence agency did not respond to requests for comment.
The flotilla’s advance has heightened international tensions, particularly after a drone attack last week damaged several boats. No one was injured, but the vessels paused for repairs in Greek waters before resuming their journey to Gaza over the weekend. Organizers said Monday the mission is now expected to reach Gaza in about four days.
The word Sumud, Arabic for “steadfastness,” became a central concept of Palestinian identity and resistance after the 1967 Six-Day War. It symbolizes endurance through nonviolent struggle, cultural preservation and resilience under occupation.