ANKARA/ISTANBUL – In a fiery address to the Turkish parliament, Speaker Numan Kurtulmus delivered a scathing condemnation of Israel’s recent attack on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in international waters on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The assault, which targeted a humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza, resulted in the detention of three Turkish parliamentarians by Israeli forces. The incident has sparked outrage in Türkiye, with Kurtulmus issuing a stark warning to Israel, vowing accountability if any harm comes to the detained lawmakers. His remarks, made during a screening of the documentary From Ground Zero: Beyond the Visible in Gaza at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, underscored Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its condemnation of what Kurtulmus described as “the greatest genocide of modern times.”
A Bold Warning to Israel
Kurtulmus did not mince words as he addressed the detention of the three Turkish parliamentarians, whom he described as “esteemed” and “heroic.” The lawmakers were aboard one of the ships in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a multinational effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade of the territory. The flotilla, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, included activists from over 40 countries, all of whom were reportedly detained under what Kurtulmus described as “inhumane conditions.”
“I openly warn you: if a single hair on their heads is harmed, you will be held accountable before both the Turkish and international public opinion,” Kurtulmus declared, addressing Israeli authorities directly. His statement was met with resounding support from lawmakers in attendance, reflecting Türkiye’s growing frustration with Israel’s actions in Gaza and beyond.
The speaker’s remarks came during a poignant moment in the parliament, where the documentary screening served as a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Kurtulmus used the platform to draw attention to the broader context of Israel’s actions, framing the attack on the flotilla as part of a pattern of aggression that disregards international law and human rights.
Gaza: The Greatest Genocide of Modern Times
Kurtulmus devoted a significant portion of his address to the dire situation in Gaza, which he labeled “the greatest genocide of modern times.” He painted a grim picture of the past two years, during which he claimed Israel has committed atrocities that surpass even the darkest chapters of modern history. “Everything we thought was unthinkable has happened,” he said, accusing the “cruel and brutal Israeli administration” of targeting innocent Palestinians with unprecedented ferocity.
According to Kurtulmus, the death toll in Gaza over the past two years ranges between 70,000 and 100,000, with over 140,000 people suffering permanent injuries. He described the systematic destruction of schools, mosques, churches, and other essential infrastructure, leaving Gaza’s population without access to basic necessities. “All livable spaces have been destroyed,” he said, emphasizing that even hunger has been weaponized as a tool of oppression. “Even Hitler probably didn’t go this far. Hunger itself has been turned into a weapon against the people of Gaza,” Kurtulmus remarked, invoking a comparison that underscored the severity of the crisis.
The speaker’s rhetoric was uncompromising as he held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration responsible for what he described as a “massive crime against humanity.” He warned that neither Netanyahu nor his successors would escape accountability for their actions. “Just like the crimes of Hitler are still carried as a burden by many, Netanyahu and his gang will bear this responsibility for eternity,” Kurtulmus stated, signaling Türkiye’s commitment to pursuing justice on the international stage.
The Attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla
The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of ships carrying humanitarian aid and activists from dozens of countries, was a focal point of Kurtulmus’s address. He condemned Israel’s actions as a flagrant violation of international maritime law and diplomatic immunity, noting that the detained parliamentarians and activists were subjected to harsh treatment. “They act without regard for international immunity or maritime law,” he said, describing Israel’s behavior as part of a “heavy gallery of sins” that has become increasingly unbearable.
Kurtulmus praised Türkiye’s swift diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens and those of other nations detained during the incident. He highlighted the resilience of the flotilla’s participants, who faced one of the world’s most formidable military forces without backing down. “No one abandoned their ship, even when facing one of the world’s most brutal military forces,” he said. “These people continued, knowing millions stood behind them.”
The attack on the flotilla, according to Kurtulmus, is a sign of growing international awareness of the plight of Palestinians. He described it as a moment that has galvanized global conscience, with activists from diverse backgrounds uniting to challenge Israel’s blockade. “The bells are now tolling for Israel, for the Zionist regime,” he declared. “This barbarism will come to an end, and we will witness this end together as humanity.”
Türkiye’s Role in Seeking Justice
Kurtulmus emphasized Türkiye’s active role in seeking justice for the Palestinian people, particularly through its participation in international legal efforts. He noted that Türkiye has joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a move that reflects Ankara’s commitment to holding Israeli officials accountable. “The international legal process is already underway,” he said, expressing hope that Israeli leaders would one day face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Drawing parallels with historical figures like Radovan Karadzic and Slobodan Milosevic, who were prosecuted for war crimes, Kurtulmus predicted a similar fate for those responsible for the current atrocities in Gaza. “Just like Karadzic and Milosevic, these people will one day be held accountable before the International Criminal Court,” he asserted.
The speaker also highlighted the symbolic significance of the Palestinian struggle, praising the resilience and dignity of the Palestinian people in the face of overwhelming adversity. “Every drop of martyr’s blood strengthens the sapling of a free Palestine,” he said. “Their blood has not been shed in vain.”
A Call for Immediate Action
Later in the day, during a parliamentary session, Kurtulmus reiterated his demand for the immediate release of the detained Turkish parliamentarians and other activists. “Those detained in the attack on the Freedom Flotilla ships must be released immediately and brought back to Türkiye,” he urged, calling on Israel to “come to its senses.” His remarks were a direct challenge to Israeli authorities, whom he accused of overstepping their bounds with impunity.
Kurtulmus’s repeated calls for action underscored the urgency of the situation and Türkiye’s determination to protect its citizens and advocate for the Palestinian cause. “These latest acts are the final straw,” he said. “Know your place. Sit down, and immediately return our honorable member of parliament to Türkiye.”
Broader Implications and Global Solidarity
The attack on the Freedom Flotilla has reignited international debates about Israel’s blockade of Gaza and its treatment of humanitarian missions. The flotilla, which aimed to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicine, and clothing to Gaza’s beleaguered population, has become a symbol of global resistance to Israel’s policies. The participation of activists from over 40 countries highlights the growing solidarity with the Palestinian cause, as individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds unite to challenge the status quo.
Kurtulmus’s remarks also reflect Türkiye’s broader foreign policy stance, which has increasingly positioned the country as a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in the region. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has sought to champion the Palestinian cause on the global stage, advocating for an end to the occupation and the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state. The detention of Turkish parliamentarians is likely to further strain relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which have been tense in recent years.
The incident also raises questions about the role of international law in addressing conflicts involving humanitarian missions. Israel’s actions in international waters, particularly its disregard for diplomatic immunity, have drawn condemnation from various quarters, with calls for greater accountability. The involvement of parliamentarians from Türkiye, a NATO member and a significant regional power, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, potentially escalating diplomatic tensions.
A Humanitarian Crisis in Focus
The screening of From Ground Zero: Beyond the Visible in Gaza provided a sobering backdrop to Kurtulmus’s address, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The documentary, which chronicles the impact of Israel’s military operations on Gaza’s civilian population, served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict. Kurtulmus’s description of Gaza as a place where “hunger has been weaponized” and “all livable spaces have been destroyed” underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis through both humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.
The blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007, has severely restricted the flow of goods and people, leading to widespread poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission was intended to draw attention to these conditions and provide much-needed relief to Gaza’s residents. However, Israel’s interception of the flotilla has once again highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian missions operating in the region.
Conclusion
Numan Kurtulmus’s impassioned speech in the Turkish parliament has brought renewed attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Israel’s actions against humanitarian efforts. By condemning the attack on the Freedom Flotilla and demanding the immediate release of detained parliamentarians, Kurtulmus has reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and its willingness to confront Israel on the international stage. His remarks, steeped in historical analogies and moral outrage, reflect a broader sentiment of frustration with Israel’s policies and a call for global solidarity with the Palestinian people.
As the international community grapples with the implications of this latest incident, the detention of Turkish lawmakers and activists underscores the need for accountability and adherence to international law. Türkiye’s participation in legal efforts at the ICJ and its vocal advocacy for Palestine signal a broader push for justice, one that resonates with millions around the world. For now, the fate of the detained parliamentarians remains uncertain, but Kurtulmus’s warning is clear: Israel will face consequences if any harm comes to them. As the bells toll for justice, the world watches to see how this chapter in the Palestinian struggle unfolds.
