Conflict in the Middle East: Gaza’s “freedom flotilla” is stuck in Turkey, deprived of its flag

Hurry. Gaza’s “freedom flotilla” became stranded in Turkey on Saturday, having lost its navigation flag due to “pressure” from Israel, organizers said. A coalition of non-governmental organizations and associations has condemned “administrative obstacles” that prevent them from going to sea after Guinea-Bissau removed its flag, becoming an “accomplice” of Israel, it accused in a report.

“The Guinea-Bissau International Shipping Registry (GBISR), in an overtly political move, has informed the Freedom Flotilla Coalition that it has removed the Guinea-Bissau flag from two vessels in the flotilla, including our cargo ship loaded with more than 5,000 tons of vital aid to Palestinians in the Strip Gaza,” she says.

She notes that “in its message informing us of this cancellation, GBISR made several unusual requests (…), including confirmation of the vessels’ destination, possible stops and port of discharge” and “demanded an official letter expressly approving the transport of humanitarian supplies.” assistance and complete cargo manifest.”

“Free Palestine”

“Typically,” the organizers note, such inspections “only address the safety and appropriate standards of ships flying their flag and are not interested in the destination, route, cargo manifests or nature” of the trip. “Unfortunately, Guinea-Bissau was complicit in Israel’s deliberate famine, illegal siege and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza,” the coalition concludes.

At the same time, a press conference was held in the historical Sultanhamet district of Istanbul in the presence of organizers and 280 volunteers – activists, human rights defenders, lawyers and doctors – ready to go to the sea, who chanted: “We will go to the sea.” sea”, “Return the flag” and “Free Palestine”.

Three ships of the flotilla have been docked in the port of Tuzla, south of Istanbul, for a week. They planned to weigh anchor on Friday. Turkish authorities, who pride themselves on the support they provide to Palestinians in Gaza with nine boats and 13 aid flights, have not commented on the flotilla, nor have official media reported on it.

In 2010, the previous “freedom flotilla” sailing from Antalya in southern Turkey turned into a nightmare and led to a break with Israel: the Israeli army launched an assault on one of the buildings, the Mavi Marmara, leaving ten on board dead and 28 injured.