Guinea-Bissau raised its flags from two ships in the Freedom Flotilla, which was prepared to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza as a result of Israeli pressure.
After what happened, the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition held a press statement in Sultanahmet Square with the participation of many national and international journalists as well as activists from many different countries.
Fleet activist Lawyer Huwaida Arraf, who made the press statement on behalf of the coalition, stated that although the Mediterranean Ship had already passed all the necessary inspections, the Guinea-Bissau International Ship Registry inspectors requested inspection.
“IT IS AN EXTREMELY UNUSUAL MOVEMENT”
Activist Lawyer Huwaida Arraf, explaining what happened, "In an overtly political move, the Guinea-Bissau International Ship Registry (GBISR) notified the Freedom Flotilla Coalition that it had withdrawn the Guinea-Bissau flag from two fleet ships. One of them was our cargo ship loaded with more than 5 thousand tons of aid materials that are vital for the people of Gaza. In informing us of this cancellation, GBISR made specific reference to our planned Gaza mission. It also requested a range of extraordinary information regarding the ships' port of arrival, potential additional port visits, the discharge port of humanitarian aid, and estimated arrival dates and times. It also requested an official letter confirming the humanitarian transport and a full manifest of the cargo. This is a highly unusual move for the flagging authority. Normally, national flagging authorities are concerned only with safety and relevant standards on ships flying their flag, and not with the destination, route, cargo manifests or the nature of a particular voyage," he said.
“ISRAEL'S PRESSURE CAUSED THIS DECISION”
It was stated in the statement that Guinea-Bissau made such a decision as a result of Israeli pressure.
"Israel is showing the world how far it will go to deny Palestinians the aid they need to survive, in clear violation of international law, UN Security Council resolutions and two decisions of the International Court of Justice. The US Congress and Biden signed a $26 billion aid package for Israel last week. Open support for Israel has brought us to this point after many years. The people of Gaza and Palestine are incredibly strong, maintaining their determination, humanity, dignity and hope even under the most horrific, unimaginable circumstances. Our responsibility is to keep this hope alive. We will set sail," the statement said.
“WE HAVE COMPLETED ALL OUR TECHNICAL PREPARATIONS”
Mavi Marmara Association President Beheşti İsmail Songür, "We clearly see Israel's effort to stop these ships in the port before they even set sail. In the statement made by the UN yesterday, it was emphasized that the fleet should be secured and delivered to Gaza quickly. While genocide is being carried out in Gaza and medicines and humanitarian aid volunteers going there are being blocked, I say this to the states that remain silent about this massacre: you cannot bear this burden. If you can't take risks, we risked everything. We will set out to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. We have completed all our technical preparations," he said.
The sit-in protest, which started on April 24 under the leadership of IHH, continues in Sultanahmet Square, where the statement was made.
The protest, which takes place every day between 15.00 and 22.00, will last until May 5.
Tourists in the region also showed great interest in the protest, which was attended by many citizens.