A trial involving 35 Israeli defendants accused of attacking humanitarian aid vessels bound for Gaza and committing torture and other rights violations is scheduled to begin in Istanbul on Oct. 23, according to Global Sumud Flotilla Türkiye and the Worldwide Lawyers Association (WOLAS).

The case file lists 101 victims and concerns a series of attacks and interceptions targeting vessels carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Global Sumud Flotilla Türkiye said the defendants accused of involvement in the attacks on aid ships in international waters, as well as alleged torture and other violations, would be tried in absentia.

The legal proceedings are being followed by the Global Sumud Flotilla Türkiye Legal Team and WOLAS, with approximately 30 lawyers working on the case.

Preparations for the hearing have been completed, and statements, evidence, expert reports and legal petitions have been submitted to the court, the statement said.

According to information provided by Global Sumud Flotilla Türkiye, the case covers several incidents involving humanitarian vessels attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

On May 2, 2025, the Vicdan vessel was targeted in an attack involving an unmanned aerial vehicle off the coast of Malta, the organization said.

In September 2025, the Alma and Familia vessels were bombed while docked at the port of Madeira, according to the statement.

On Oct. 1–2, 2025, 42 vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla were seized, and 462 civilians from more than 40 countries were detained, the organization said.

The statement also cited an intervention on Oct. 8, 2025, involving the Vicdan and an eight-boat Freedom Flotilla. Passengers and vessels were detained during the operation, while those held were allegedly subjected to torture and ill-treatment at Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert.

The case covers vessels including the Madleen, Handala, Vicdan, Sumud 1 and Sumud 2, according to Global Sumud Flotilla Türkiye.

The legal action seeks to address allegations involving attacks on humanitarian missions, the detention of civilians and mistreatment of those attempting to deliver assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

Humanitarian flotillas have sought to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza and draw international attention to the territory's severe humanitarian crisis. Their missions have also faced interceptions and other actions that organizers say violate international law and the rights of civilian participants.

The Istanbul proceedings are scheduled to begin on Oct. 23, with 35 defendants and 101 victims listed in the case file, according to the organizations following the lawsuit. (ILKHA)