Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers discuss Israel’s interception of Global Sumud Flotilla

Hakan Fidan, Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis to discuss Israel’s recent intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla Spring 2026 Mission, according to diplomatic sources.

The conversation focused on the reported Israeli operation targeting the humanitarian flotilla in international waters, an incident that has drawn international attention and concern.

Flotilla Mission and Interception
The Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza and delivering essential humanitarian aid, set sail on April 12, 2026, from Barcelona.

After regrouping in Sicily on April 26, the vessels resumed their journey across the Mediterranean. However, on the night of April 29, the flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Crete.

According to flotilla organizers, Israeli forces carried out what they described as an “illegal intervention,” targeting vessels carrying activists and humanitarian supplies.

International Participation
Organizers stated that the flotilla included 345 participants from 39 different countries, including Turkish nationals, underscoring the international dimension of the initiative.

The mission represents a renewed attempt to challenge the blockade on Gaza, following a previous effort in September 2025, which was also intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean.

Diplomatic Engagement
Sources from Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry indicated that the phone call between Fidan and Gerapetritis addressed the broader implications of the incident, although no further details were disclosed regarding specific diplomatic steps.

The exchange highlights ongoing regional consultations amid heightened tensions surrounding humanitarian access to Gaza and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean.