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Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense announced Wednesday that its naval forces have evacuated 11 people, including three Turkish citizens, from civilian vessels conducting humanitarian aid operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The evacuations took place as the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its voyage toward Gaza, now approximately 90 nautical miles from its destination, according to a statement from the ministry.
"Within the scope of humanitarian aid activities carried out with civilian ships sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean, 11 people who requested assistance, including 3 Turkish citizens, have been evacuated to land by our Naval Forces units so far," the ministry said.
The flotilla, composed of representatives from civil society organizations, doctors, lawyers, journalists, artists, politicians and activists from 44 countries, has been sailing toward Gaza for several days carrying humanitarian aid supplies, particularly medical materials. The convoy represents the largest collective flotilla to date attempting to reach the coastal territory.
In a post on social media platform X, the Global Sumud Flotilla reported it was traveling through a high-risk zone and described passing through a night marked by what it called Israeli "intimidation tactics." The flotilla confirmed that everyone aboard remained safe and the journey was continuing.
The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza Wednesday morning, barring any Israeli military action.
The name "Sumud," which translates from Arabic as "steadfastness" or "unwavering determination," has carried particular significance for Palestinians since the 1967 Six-Day War. T
he concept encompasses Palestinian resilience through remaining on their land, preserving Palestinian identity and culture, and resisting occupation through nonviolent civil disobedience and building alternative institutions. In Palestinian imagery, the olive tree and a pregnant village woman are commonly used to represent this concept.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza, which it says is necessary for security reasons following its conflict with Hamas.
Türkiye has been an outspoken critic of Israeli military operations in Gaza and has called for increased humanitarian access to the territory.
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