Purchased from İDO Istanbul Fast Ferries Company, owned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Mavi Marmara ship has the capacity to carry 200 tonnes of load and 1,080 passengers.
The Municipality put the ship on tender and the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, as the only bidder, purchased it at 1,810,000 Turkish liras, the sale price.
Human rights advocates, activists, journalists and representatives of nongovernmental organizations will be taken to Gaza in this ship. It will also carry medication, medical equipment and other relief supplies needed in Gaza. The purchase was financed by donations of benevolent people. The IHH is planning to ship regular humanitarian aid to Gaza in the vessel and donate it to Palestinians after the removal of embargo.
Cargo ship to be purchased
The foundation is also looking for a cargo vessel to ship more humanitarian supplies to Gaza. With the cargo ship tonnes of medication, medical equipment, and construction materials such as iron and cement will be taken to the region. Construction materials are of great significance to Gazan people, because the houses destroyed in the latest Israeli offensive still wait to be rebuilt. Gazan people are waiting for the day to rebuild their houses, but the entry of construction materials to Gaza is banned under the ongoing embargo.
Flotilla to sail in May
The flotilla of seven ships, two from Turkey and five from Europe, is expected to sail for Gaza in mid-May. Some of the ships will carry passengers and some humanitarian supplies.
Have a stake in the campaign
You can contribute to the IHH-led flotilla campaign by donating. Call 0212 631 21 21, visit www.ihh.org.tr or drop by the IHH head office to donate. Please indicate you are donating for Palestine campaign.
