The Freedom Flotilla Coalition aims to sail at the end of March

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation held a press conference regarding the preparations for the International Freedom Flotilla, which aims to break the siege in Gaza, establish a ceasefire, and deliver humanitarian aid to the city. IHH president Bülent Yıldırım stated, 'We are purchasing ships, and the number of ships will not be less than that of the Mavi Marmara. Our goal is for the ships to set sail by the end of March.'

Palestine-Gaza 10.02.2024

The press conference, held at the IHH Headquarters, was attended by activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition representing the following organisations: Canadian Boat to Gaza (Canada), US Boat to Gaza (USA), Kia Ora Gaza (Aotearoa, New Zealand), Free Gaza Australia (Australia), Ship to Gaza (Norway), MyCARE (Malaysia), Ship to Gaza (Sweden), Palestine Solidarity Alliance (South Africa), IHH (Türkiye), Rumbo a Gaza (Spanish State), Mavi Marmara Association (Türkiye) and the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza.

We will embark on a journey to open all doors.

Speaking at the press conference, Yıldırım stated, "Ships are being purchased, and we will embark on a journey to open all closed doors. The Gates are not only closed by Israel because the Rafah Border Crossing is also closed. We will, God willing, break this siege by air, land, and sea. It is time to take action. Despite the opposition from the entire world, Israel continues its blockade and increases its cruelties."

We are currently purchasing ships.

Yıldırım referred to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition as a "coalition of ethics" and stated, "Our unity also leads the supporting acts for Palestine in Europe and America. Our goal is to open all doors leading to Gaza. When diplomacy fails, civil society organizations come into play. Ships will set sail from America, Europe, and Turkiye. We are currently purchasing ships, and the number of ships will not be less than that of the Mavi Marmara. Our goal is for the ships to set sail by the end of March."

Our struggle is deep-rooted and profound.

Referring to the case brought by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice, Yıldırım stated, "Positive outcomes were achieved in the court case initiated by South Africa. According to this decision, the whole world is responsible in protecting these ships. Otherwise, why was this International Court of Justice established? Some of the lawyers from the Mavi Marmara case are among the lawyers in South Africa. This struggle is deep-rooted and profound. Israel will no longer be able to move freely anywhere. I invite everyone to support our aid campaign."

Gaza has been facing genocidal attacks for the past 4 months.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the President of Mavi Marmara Association Beheşti İsmail Songür, reminded that Gaza has been under a brutual blockade for 17 years and has been facing genocidal assult for the past 4 months. Songür stated that with the prepared flotilla, the plan is to directly deliver thousands of tonness of urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.

Pressure should be exerted for the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.

Ismail Moola, the President of the South Africa Palestine Solidarity Movement and an activist from the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, said, "30 years ago, we abolished the apartheid regime in South Africa. Now we are fighting for the abolition of this apartheid regime in the Middle East. We hope that the Zionist regime will put an end to these practices. We hope that the United Nations Security Council will exert pressure for the implementation of its resolutions."