Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Turkish citizens detained by Israel: "We are working on a plan to bring them in by private plane."
Keçeli made statements about the situation of Turkish activists detained illegally by Israel and Turkey's initiatives in the Global Sumud Flotilla , which is sailing to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
INTENSE PHONE DIPLOMACYKeçeli emphasized the crucial role the Sumud Flotilla played in drawing global attention to the ongoing disaster in Gaza, saying, "We have closely followed developments regarding the flotilla since the first day of its organization. We were in contact with the flotilla's organizing committee and participants from the very beginning. Our Ministry's Situation Monitoring Center and Crisis Desk meticulously followed developments 24/7."
Keçeli stated that they are in close coordination with the countries whose citizens are in the fleet, saying, "Our President (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) and Minister (Hakan Fidan) conducted intensive telephone diplomacy."
STRONG WARNING TO ISRAEL NOT TO ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF THE FLEET ITEMSKeçeli noted that they had secured a joint statement as a result of these contacts, stating that this statement issued a strong warning to Israel not to endanger the lives of those on the flotilla.
"Our ships operating in the region and our search and rescue capabilities were also present to contribute to the humanitarian aid mission," Keçeli said.
Keçeli, providing information on the current situation of Turkish citizens detained by Israel, said, "We know that hundreds of activists are being detained by Israel. Among them are nearly 50 of our citizens. Because some of our citizens have dual citizenship, it is impossible to provide an exact number. Immediately after the boats were seized, our consular officials intervened. They worked in coordination with the flotilla's lawyers and the embassies of other relevant countries. We immediately tried to share the information we obtained with the families of our citizens."
Keçeli stated that the Turkish citizens in the Flotilla, along with activists from other countries, were disembarked at Ashdod Port on October 2nd, adding, "Following the administrative procedures there, they were gradually transferred to the detention center in southern Israel."
Spokesperson Keçeli stated, "Consulate officials had face-to-face contact with Turkish citizens for the first time today. Our consulate officials have been there for approximately eight hours, and this is the first time they have had direct contact with our citizens. According to the initial information we have received, there is no cause for concern regarding the general health of our citizens."
"At this point, we are considering various alternatives for the fastest and healthiest evacuation of our citizens from Israel," Keçeli said, adding, "It is possible that the citizens will return to Türkiye tomorrow via a special flight."
Keçeli stated that they are working intensively to complete this process in the most efficient way possible, saying, "Our colleagues are following the matter with local authorities, and our coordination with the relevant authorities and institutions in Türkiye continues. We will keep the public informed as developments become clearer."
When asked whether any countries had contacted Turkey to request assistance with evacuations, Keçeli said, "Yes, we have. As you know, we have provided extensive assistance to third countries in the past regarding rescue and evacuation from various humanitarian crises and natural disasters. This time, third countries have contacted us. We are ready to provide assistance to third-country citizens to leave Israel, within the limits of our capabilities."
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