October 2, 2025

The Council of Higher Education (CoHE), the Interuniversity Board (IUB), and universities across Türkiye issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

CoHE President Erol Özvar read the statement during a press briefing held prior to the launch of Türkiye’s Higher Education Roadmap Towards 2030.

The statement declared that Israel’s policy of massacre in Gaza—targeting the Palestinian population, most of whom are babies, women, the sick, and the elderly—has deeply wounded the conscience of humanity for nearly two years.

Recalling that hundreds of activists from 46 countries had mobilized to support the people of Gaza and to challenge Israel’s blockade, the statement read:

“The international freedom flotilla, named ‘Sumud’—meaning ‘steadfastness’—represents the collective conscience of humanity as a civilian and peaceful coalition of solidarity. Tragically, Israel, which has become synonymous with brutality, barbarism, terror, oppression, and genocide, attacked the entirely peaceful Sumud Flotilla and detained hundreds of activists, including Turkish citizens.

Any form of interference with the Sumud Flotilla or humanitarian initiatives directed toward Gaza constitutes a blatant violation of international law. As the Council of Higher Education, the Interuniversity Board, and Turkish higher education institutions, we strongly condemn Israel’s actions and call upon the international academic community to take a clear stand against Israel.”