Yasemin Acar, a Turkish activist aboard the Madleen – a vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition en route to Gaza – has issued a powerful warning to the Israeli government. In an interview on Sunday, Acar stated that any assault on the civilian ship would be met with fierce resistance from the activists on board.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of international activists, is on a mission to break the illegal blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip. The blockade, which has been in place for over a decade, has caused immense suffering for the people of Gaza, who are denied access to basic necessities such as food, medicine, and building materials.
Acar, who is a member of the Turkish humanitarian aid organization IHH, emphasized that the activists on board the Madleen are determined to reach Gaza and deliver much-needed aid to the people there. She stated, “We are not afraid of the Israeli threats. We are here to show our solidarity with the people of Gaza and to break the illegal blockade.”
The Madleen, which is carrying medical supplies and solar panels, is one of several vessels in the Freedom Flotilla. The flotilla also includes the Al-Awda, a Norwegian-flagged boat, and the Freedom, a Swedish-flagged boat. The flotilla is made up of activists from over 20 countries, including doctors, journalists, and parliamentarians.
The activists on board the Madleen have been met with hostility from the Israeli government, which has warned that it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza. In the past, Israeli forces have violently intercepted and seized flotilla ships, resulting in the deaths of activists. However, Acar and her fellow activists are undeterred, stating that they are prepared to face any challenges that may come their way.
Acar’s warning to the Israeli government comes at a critical time, as tensions continue to escalate in the region. Just last month, Israeli forces killed over 60 Palestinians and injured thousands more during protests at the Gaza border. The international community has condemned the excessive use of force by Israel and called for an end to the blockade.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has also received support from various organizations and individuals around the world. In a statement, the Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) expressed its solidarity with the flotilla, stating that “the brave activists on board are standing up for the rights of the Palestinian people and challenging the illegal blockade.”
The BNC also called on the international community to take action and hold Israel accountable for its actions. “It is time for the international community to take a stand against Israel’s illegal blockade and support the efforts of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition,” the statement read.
As the Madleen continues its journey towards Gaza, Acar and her fellow activists remain determined to break the illegal blockade and deliver much-needed aid to the people of Gaza. Their courage and determination serve as an inspiration to all those who believe in justice and human rights.
In the face of adversity, the activists on board the Madleen are sending a powerful message to the world – that the people of Gaza are not forgotten and that the international community must take action to end their suffering. Let us stand in solidarity with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and support their mission to break the blockade and bring hope to the people of Gaza.
