Erdogan has condemned Israel during the Extraordinary Open-ended Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States (PUIC) in response to a question asked by a journalist regarding Izzet Sahin’s arrest. Erdogan pointed out the fact that “members of NGOs from Turkey are being taken into custody without justification and are subject to maltreatment”.
Israel is threatening the peace and the humanity.
Meanwhile, daily Turkish newspaper Star, featured a news report on Izzet Sahin’s arrest saying:
Israel is doing everything they can to stop the international flotilla’s attempt on breaking the embargo. Now, as an act of intimidation, IHH’s West Bank representative Izzet Sahin has been taken hostage by Israel.
Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza Strip right after dropping phosphorous bombs on the region 3 years ago, it is now resorting to illegal means to stop IHH (The Foundation For Human Rights And Freedoms And Humanitarian Relief) from breaking the inhumane embargo by the 8-ship humanitarian aid flotilla in the end of May. Israel keeps extending the length of custody by taking IHH’s West Bank representative Izzet Sahin to three court hearings within a span of 13 days following his arrest on the 27th of April.
Bulent Yildirim, President of IHH, said “This arrest is an act of intimidation towards the peace convoy.”
Yildirim, stating that Israel is now in a state of panic, went on to say “blocking the sea ways to the passage of humanitarian aid is against the Geneva Conventions. Israel realizes that the embargo will reach an end thanks to this flotilla campaign. They keep Izzet Sahin in custody as an sign of their desperation.”
Yildirim continued, “We will not give up on our campaign of delivering the aid. The flotilla will embark on its journey around 20-25th of May. I hope, God willing, Izzet Sahin will be released. Israel is acting like gangsters, not like a proper state. We will arrive in Gaza no matter what. If they decide to use Izzet Sahin against us, then it is an honor to the people of Turkey. Then, we will call out to Turkish people by saying “Claim Back Your Izzet (dignity)”.
