Israel Fears New Gaza Flotilla From Turkey Could Turn Violent

Israel is working through diplomatic channels to prevent a new Turkish-linked flotilla from leaving Marmaris for Gaza, as the Israeli Navy prepares for a possible interception that officials fear could be far more dangerous than last week’s operation off Crete.

Around 20 ships and boats are reportedly organizing in Turkey, days after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in a largely peaceful operation west of Crete. Israeli officials fear the new route could bring Israeli forces much closer to Turkey, increasing the risk of direct friction between the two navies if the vessels set sail.

Last week’s interception took place after the Global Sumud Flotilla sailed from Sicily toward Gaza. The flotilla included dozens of vessels, with Israeli forces seizing around 20 boats and detaining approximately 175 activists, who were later transferred or deported to Greece.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said after the operation that Israel acted without harming the activists. “All participants in the provocative flotilla who were taken off the vessels were taken off unharmed,” he said.

Israel says the Gaza naval blockade is lawful and that the flotilla was an attempt to breach it. Israeli officials also said the Navy acted early because the flotilla had tried to block an Israeli merchant vessel, creating an additional operational concern before the ships came closer to Gaza.

“This is why Israel acted early, peacefully, in accordance with international law, and with the aim of ensuring the safety and security of all those on board,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey sharply condemned the interception at the time. Its Foreign Ministry called the operation an attack on activists sailing in international waters and said it violated freedom of navigation.

“This act of aggression further represents a breach of the principle of freedom of navigation on the high seas,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Turkish media reported that 59 activists, including 18 Turkish nationals, were flown from Crete to Istanbul after the interception. The incident added to public and political pressure in Turkey, where pro-Palestinian groups have continued to call for renewed attempts to reach Gaza by sea.

The Marmaris effort is not the only new attempt. Other pro-Palestinian groups have also announced additional efforts to sail toward Gaza, including vessels launched from Siracusa, Sicily, after last week’s interception.

The Turkish-linked flotilla has raised particular concern in Israel because of the reported involvement of the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, known as IHH. The organization was behind the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla, which ended in a deadly clash after Shayetet 13 commandos boarded the ship to prevent it from reaching Gaza.

According to Israel, soldiers were attacked with knives and clubs, and some were taken captive during the raid. Israel also said activists opened fire. Nine activists were killed, and dozens of people were injured on both sides, including Israeli commandos. Israeli officials now want to avoid a repeat confrontation, especially one that could unfold much closer to Turkey.