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Education Minister Yusuf Tekin has strongly criticized Israel's attack on the civilian vessel "Madleen," which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a statement posted on social media, Tekin described the assault on the Madleen as "an unlawful and inhumane attack" that represented "a dark attempt against the bread of the oppressed, the medicine of the sick, and the hope of children."
The minister condemned what he called "piracy that blatantly violates international law and human rights," stating that the attack exemplifies "systematic brutality that an occupying mentality targeting women, children, and the elderly has been perpetrating for years."
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"This aggressive attitude, which fears even a relief ship and disregards human dignity, has long been condemned by the world's conscience," Tekin said. "Every helping hand extended to Gaza is the honor of humanity. Türkiye will never remain silent about this injustice and will continue to be the voice of truth, human dignity, and the oppressed."
The incident has sparked protests in Türkiye, with members of the Freedom for Palestine Platform gathering on Sakarya Street in Ankara to demonstrate against the attack and demand the release of 12 activists detained aboard the vessel.
Can Irmak Ozinanir, speaking on behalf of the group, called Israel "genocidal" and accused it of war crimes and torture. He noted that the detained activists include climate activist Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
"The occupying state violated international law and maritime law, attacking the ship where activists and our comrades were located," Ozinanir said. "The Madleen crew must be released immediately, and the blockade on Gaza must be ended at once."
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