Turkey has launched fresh criticism of Greece, using the recent Gaza-bound flotilla incident to again challenge Athens’ sovereign rights and maritime stance in the region.
Sources from the Turkish Defence Ministry, cited by local media, accused the Greek government of “inaction” over Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla approximately 80 nautical miles west of Crete.
According to the same sources, Athens adopted a “passive attitude” towards Israel’s operation against the aid vessels, which were attempting to reach Gaza carrying humanitarian supplies.
Greece, however, had already responded through its Foreign Ministry, calling for restraint and full respect for international law, including the Law of the Sea and international humanitarian law.
In its official statement, Athens stressed that it acted as a stabilising force in the region, urging Israel to withdraw its vessels and offering to facilitate the safe disembarkation and return of passengers. Greek authorities also confirmed coordination with Israeli officials and foreign consular representatives to manage the situation.
Despite this, Turkish officials claimed Greece’s response reflects “serious indifference” to its international obligations. They further alleged that Athens failed to adequately respond to reported incidents involving communication disruptions, drone activity, and the sinking of vessels.
Ankara also argued that Israel’s actions violated key principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while claiming Greece’s stance fuels disputes over maritime jurisdiction and sovereign rights.
Turkish sources went further, criticising the Greek leadership — including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defence Minister Nikos Dendias — alleging their policies weaken Greece’s international standing and complicate regional balances.
They also claimed, without evidence, that Greece’s handling of the situation has sparked domestic criticism, particularly over its decision not to block the transfer of detained flotilla members to a Greek port.
At the same time, Turkish officials acknowledged that Israel’s broader military actions in Gaza have contributed to rising tensions and increasing scrutiny over adherence to international law.
According to Ankara, the developments risk undermining regional stability and the global rule of law, while arguing that Greece’s position fails to support humanitarian principles.
The latest rhetoric comes despite ongoing diplomatic communication between the two countries, with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reportedly holding a phone call to discuss the flotilla incident.
