In the press release held after the Legal Strategy and Coordination Workshop for the Freedom of Palestine, Lamis Deek, a US citizen lawyer of Palestinian origin and founder of Pal Law Comission, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela and a member of the South African National Assembly, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Calou, South African lawyer Nadeem Mohamed, one of the founders of the International Solidarity Movement, of Palestinian origin. US citizen lawyer Huwaida Arraf, law doctor from Gaza, Hashd Founder, Lawfor Palestine founder Salahaldin M.A. Abdalaty, British-born journalist and war correspondent Yvonne Anne Rıdley and President of the Earth Lawyers Association, Atty. Enes Kafadar, many lawyers and human rights defenders attended.
“THE CONTINUATION OF GENOCIDE SHOWS THE INADEQUACY OF REACTIONS”
The first person to speak in the press release was the President of the Earth Lawyers Association, Atty. Enes Kafadar,
He stated that the intense Israeli attacks in Gaza after October 7 were not the beginning of the genocide, and that Israeli oppression in Palestine had continued for decades.
"The reactions and struggles against the genocide are very valuable. But the fact that the genocide is still continuing is an indication that the reactions and struggle have not reached a sufficient level. The developing process showed the inadequacy of individual struggle against a global power. As lawyers, we evaluated what needs to be done regarding this issue. We organized a workshop in Istanbul with 50 lawyers from 14 countries. In the workshop, we determined the necessary methods for legal struggle. We brought together lawyers who have field experience and are competent in fighting in the international arena. One of the agendas of the workshop was the freedom fleet preparing to set off. Legal methods to be followed against a possible attack on the Freedom Fleet were determined," Kafadar said.
“FREEDOM FLEET WILL SET OUT TO BREAK THE BLOCKAGE AGAINST GAZA”
Speaking after Kafadar, Lamis Deek, a US citizen of Palestinian origin and founder of Pal Law Commission, underlined that international legal practice is currently in complete despair.
"What we need to do is a consistent, organized and strong legal struggle. This is the most important first step for policy change. The wounds inflicted by Zionism impose great costs on the whole world. We are also working on the Freedom Fleet. The freedom fleet will set out to break the blockade and take steps that states should take but have not taken in accordance with international law," Deek said.
“OUR INDEPENDENCE WILL BE COMPLETED WHEN PALESTINE IS FREE”
Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson and a Member of the South African National Assembly, stated that his grandfather said during his visit to Palestine, "Our independence is not fully completed. Full independence will only be possible when Palestine is freed from occupation."
Referring to the freedom fleet, which is still being prepared, Mandela stated that the fleet is a completely civilian organization and is of great importance.
“THE CASE OF PALESTINE IS THE CASE OF HUMANITY”
Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Calou stated that the Palestinian cause is the cause of humanity.
Stating that the mission of the Freedom Fleet is an important act of resistance against the genocide, Calou called on his country's rulers to work to protect the fleet.
South African lawyer Nadeem Mohamed touched upon the importance of Israel's trial at the International Court of Justice and said that Israel was starting to lose. Stating that Israel has not been held accountable for the crimes it has committed so far, lawyer Huwaida Arraf, a US citizen of Palestinian origin, called on states and international organizations to fulfill their responsibilities so that Israel is held accountable for its crimes and the blockade on Gaza is lifted.