The flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza—under blockade for nearly two decades—was intercepted by Israel in international waters. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the activists were met with enthusiastic support from political, civil, and media circles.
“New waves to break the blockade are coming”
At a press conference held at the airport, Beheşti İsmail Songür, President of the Mavi Marmara Association, expressed gratitude to the activists:
“Our friends carried out a historic mission. But as they said: We are not the heroes — the people of Gaza are. God willing, new waves will come to break the blockade. The world’s conscience must once again rise to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestine. For us, the continuation of these flotillas is vital.”
“The ceasefire didn’t come on its own”
IHH President Av. Bülent Yıldırım emphasized that the issue of Jerusalem and Palestine is a humanitarian one:
“Netanyahu and Zionism tried to crush humanity. To all world leaders: if you want to be heroes in the eyes of your people — look to Gaza, the Mediterranean, and the road to Palestine. Thank God, the Sumud Flotilla set sail and showed the world our determination. Then came the Freedom Flotilla, declaring it will continue until Palestine is free. World leaders felt their positions shake — and only then did they come to the table. The ceasefire wasn’t spontaneous. It happened because of the resistance inside Palestine and global pressure outside. Now, preparations for the third and fourth flotilla waves are underway.”
46 Activists Still Detained in Israel
Ann Wright, an American member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, said she was pleased that 95 activists had returned to Türkiye, but reminded that 46 activists remain in Israeli prisons, alongside over 10,000 Palestinian detainees.
Activist Fethullah Kirenci shared that he learned of the ceasefire only after arriving in Istanbul: “We were thrilled. But we must never give up on the cause of Al-Aqsa and the liberation of Gaza. Our efforts will continue with even greater strength.”
“Tens of thousands still imprisoned”
Dr. Aziz Gani, a participant in the Sumud Flotilla, noted that although they were held for only a few days, tens of thousands of Palestinians remain in Israeli prison:“Marwan Barghouti has been imprisoned for 45 years. We must continue until these flotillas reach Gaza. Ceasefires and humanitarian relief depend on our united struggle. My final words: From the river to the sea, free Palestine!”
“We are the voice of the world’s conscience”
Activist Kasım Aktağ added: “We set out to be the voice of the world’s conscience. We were detained 130 miles from Gaza. What we endured is nothing compared to what Gazans face daily. We will not stop until Gaza is rebuilt and Palestine is free.”
Following the airport welcome, the activists were taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute in Yenibosna for routine health checks. International participants are expected to return to their home countries after completing travel and accommodation arrangements.
