Turkish-Israeli Relations

The Gaza Flotilla incident took place in May 2010 when the Israeli defense forces boarded the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

The six ships managed by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief carrying humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and construction materials was heading for the port of Gaza. The destination was against the Gaza strip Blockade imposed by the Israeli and Egyptian government in 2007.

This was the seventh attempt of the Free Gaza Movement. The six ships converged in Cyprus and then headed for Gaza. Their crew was of 718 people coming from 37 countries. Israeli officials denied access and requested that the ships are inspected in Ashdod. Then, it would be allowed to get the humanitarian aid to the Palestinians on land.

As a result the ships were raided by Jewish naval special forces in the international waters outside Gaza Strip. During the attack of the first ship Mavi Marmara Israeli soldiers were attacked by activists and they opened fire. Nina activists from the Turkish charity organization were killed, others wounded and hundreds detained. Seven commandos were injured as well. The wounded were transported to Israeli hospitals. All the detainees were released in the ensuing international scandal.

Many nations including NGOs and supranational organizations called for objective investigation into the matter. One was carried by Israeli officials and by the UN. There were many around the world against the Israeli aggressive reaction.

The outcome of the incident is the severely strained relations between the state of Turkey and Israel. Moreover, Egypt agreed to open its border so that aid can go through. Under mounting international pressure the Israeli government eased the blockade allowing construction and dual-use items to go through. There are no results of the investigation as of yet.