Ankara, October 5, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday lauded the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla as “a rare and noble action,” calling on the international community to support efforts raising awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and genocide against Palestinians.
“This is a noble action. Creating international awareness to prevent the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to support the Palestinian cause is currently our greatest weapon. This is what we are doing in international diplomacy,” Fidan told the media.
Following the flotilla’s departure, Türkiye established a coordination mechanism with multiple countries and, on September 16, issued a joint statement with 17 nations to send a unified message and apply international pressure. The Turkish Navy coordinated with aerial surveillance and naval forces from Spain and Italy to ensure the flotilla’s navigational safety.
Fidan confirmed that Israeli naval forces attacked and seized flotilla vessels late Wednesday, detaining more than 470 activists from over 50 countries. Türkiye immediately engaged Israeli authorities through its National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the Turkish embassy, successfully securing the release of Turkish nationals and several foreign activists on Saturday. Some participants remain in custody and are expected to face procedural trials.
Stressing Türkiye’s active role in Palestinian issues, Fidan described President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s commitment as “at the highest level.” He highlighted coordinated diplomatic efforts with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, and meetings with US President Donald Trump, noting that Trump’s declaration against West Bank annexation represents “a historic turning point” in US-Palestinian-Israeli relations.
Fidan emphasized the importance of establishing a regional stability pact to foster trust, prevent external interventions, and address long-standing conflicts. He criticized Israel’s aggressive regional stance and noted that even its traditional supporters are showing signs of divergence.
Highlighting Erdogan’s recent US visit as “historic,” Fidan stressed successful bilateral discussions that reinforced strategic ties, including ceasefire efforts with Hamas. He commended Hamas’ response to Trump’s ceasefire proposal as conciliatory and respectful of mediation efforts.
On defense industry developments, Fidan confirmed that Türkiye has lifted several international sanctions, increasing local production of defense technologies to 80 percent, and underscored the national significance of the KAAN combat aircraft program.
Regarding Syria, Fidan highlighted Ankara’s security concerns, stressing that the country’s border and stability are directly linked to national security. He noted the strategic importance of Syria’s upcoming parliamentary elections, efforts to maintain territorial integrity, and the need for regional cooperation, including steps by the EU and US to support economic recovery and refugee returns.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Fidan reported Türkiye’s ongoing mediation efforts, noting progress toward a resolution despite escalated military actions and differing territorial demands from both sides.
Fidan also warned of an unprecedented security threat in Europe, citing Russian airspace violations and NATO alerts, emphasizing that Türkiye has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy and has not acted as a destabilizing force in the region.
Through these multifaceted diplomatic, defense, and humanitarian initiatives, Türkiye continues to assert its role in promoting regional stability, safeguarding national security, and supporting international peace efforts.
