Humanitarian flotilla said to break Gaza blockade with 5K tons of aid

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Apr 2024 18:04
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The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international humanitarian organization, unveiled plans during a press conference on Friday to dispatch three vessels from the port of Tuzla on the Sea of Marmara.

The Akdeniz RoRo, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, waits to depart from the Tuzla seaport, near Istanbul on April 19, 2024 (Photo by AFP)

Turkish news sources on Sunday reported that a flotilla of ships carrying 5,000 tons of food, water, and medical supplies is set to depart from Turkey in the coming days.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international humanitarian organization, unveiled plans during a press conference on Friday to dispatch three vessels from the port of Tuzla on the Sea of Marmara.

With over 1,000 professionals, including doctors, lawyers, and academics, onboard, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aims to deliver aid directly to the besieged Strip.

While no departure date has been confirmed, organizers await permission from Turkish authorities, having already notified international organizations of their mission.

The flotilla comprises unarmed civilians, all united in their peaceful mission to challenge the blockade. Activists from 12 national human rights groups, accompanied by journalists, are set to participate in the mission, as part of a global effort to alleviate Gaza's suffering.

"The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is composed of unarmed civilians that are here on a peaceful mission to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza and to deliver humanitarian assistance as requested by the International Court of Justice," explained Ann Wright, a retired US army colonel and former diplomat.

Wright told Anadolu Agency that the flotilla's goals are fundamentally peace-driven, urging restraint from "Israel" to avoid escalating tensions.

Dr. Fauziah Mohd Hasan of the Malaysian Freedom Flotilla Movement mentioned that extensive preparations involve prominent figures worldwide.

Dylan Saba, a US writer and attorney joining the flotilla, stressed the duty of global citizens to act where governments have faltered, citing adherence to international law as a guiding principle.

The initiative recalls the 2010 mission that garnered international attention, marred by an Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara, resulting in 10 fatalities and strained relations between Turkey and "Israel."

Since the start of the genocide, over 34,000 civilians have been killed in the Strip. These numbers are expected to increase dramatically, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli blockade on the Strip.