Humanitarian organizations from Turkey and Europe are planning to send a new "Freedom Flotilla" to challenge the blockade of the Gaza Strip on April 14. This initiative, reported by the leadership of the Turkish humanitarian organization IHH (Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief), aims to provide aid and draw attention to the situation in Gaza.
Mustafa Ozbek, a member of the IHH Governing Board and head of the press service, informed TASS that four ships carrying humanitarian aid and activists will participate. The endeavor, reminiscent of the 2010 flotilla incident, is expected to involve at least 12 European countries.
The ships, including one departing from Italy, will set sail from Istanbul and stop at the shores of Cyprus for assessment and planning. The participants, which may include activists, public figures, and politicians, seek to raise global awareness about the plight of Palestinians and support the people of Gaza. Ozbek mentioned receiving approximately 5,000 applications from activists, with the possibility of well-known personalities joining, including relatives of Nelson Mandela.
Ozbek clarified that the Turkish boat leaving on Thursday is unrelated to the Freedom Flotilla and is organized by the Turkish Emergency Management Authority. While no specific security measures are planned onboard, the flotilla will respond according to circumstances.
The IHH, along with five other international humanitarian organizations, previously organized the "Freedom Flotilla" in 2010. However, the Israeli seizure of the Turkish ferry Mavi Marmara resulted in casualties and strained relations between Turkey and Israel. The upcoming flotilla aims to renew efforts to address the Gaza blockade while drawing global attention to the humanitarian crisis.
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Based on materials from TASS