Turkey launches investigation into Gaza flotilla interception

The Istanbul chief prosecutor's office announced Thursday that it has opened an investigation following the arrest of Turkish citizens by ‘Israeli’ forces on a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid.

The probe concerns "24 Turkish citizens arrested following the attack carried out by elements of the Israeli navy in international waters against the Global Sumud flotilla", a statement said, according to Turkish media.

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It referenced the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and said the investigation would cover "crimes of deprivation of liberty, hijacking or detention of means of transport, aggravated looting, material damage, and torture."

The Turkish foreign ministry condemned the interception on Wednesday night as "an act of terrorism" by 'Israel', and "hoped that this attack will not compromise efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza."

Despite the interception, the flotilla announced Thursday morning that it would continue its journey towards the Palestinian territory.