Civil society organizations in Batman marked the 15th anniversary of the deadly Israeli assault on the Mavi Marmara humanitarian aid ship with a public commemoration and press statement on Saturday.

The event, held on Gülistan Street, attracted hundreds of residents, activists, and representatives from dozens of NGOs who gathered under the theme “Our Voice for Gaza and Jerusalem.” Waving Palestinian flags and holding placards denouncing Israeli war crimes, the participants chanted slogans and takbir in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance. The event began with a recitation of verses from the Quran, setting a solemn tone for the day’s message of remembrance and resistance.

Remembering the Mavi Marmara

The Mavi Marmara attack remains a defining moment in global awareness of the Palestinian cause. On May 31, 2010, Israeli naval forces stormed the Turkish-flagged vessel in international waters as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Nine Turkish activists were killed during the raid, with a tenth dying later from injuries. The incident sparked international outrage and strained diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Israel.

“Today, we remember not just the martyrs of the Mavi Marmara, but also their courage and their moral stance,” said Mehmet Şah Keskin, who delivered the official press statement on behalf of the participating NGOs. “Their legacy is a symbol of international solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza, and a reminder of the high cost of standing for justice.”

Keskin condemned the continued occupation of Palestinian land and declared that the memory of the Mavi Marmara martyrs remains alive in the collective conscience of the ummah.

“Gaza Is Bleeding, and the World Remains Silent”

Keskin delivered a scathing critique of the international community’s response to the current humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

“The occupying Israeli regime is committing genocide in Gaza in front of the entire world. Nearly 60,000 Palestinians have been martyred—most of them women and children. Over 125,000 are injured, and thousands more remain buried under rubble. These are not numbers—they are lives, stories, and families,” he said.

He noted that the world is witnessing “one of the most brutal atrocities in modern history,” yet global powers have failed to take any meaningful action.

“Instead of preventing the aggression, they are complicit through their silence. Each day without action is a day that more lives are lost,” he added.

No Safe Haven Left in Gaza

Citing figures from humanitarian organizations, Keskin stated that nearly 1.9 million Palestinians—almost 85% of Gaza’s population—have been forcibly displaced due to Israeli air and ground assaults. He described a horrifying reality in which displaced families are repeatedly targeted even after being pushed into so-called safe zones.

“Tents, shelters, and refugee settlements have been bombed multiple times. Civilians are burned alive. Schools, hospitals, and mosques are not spared. Nowhere is safe in Gaza. This is not war—it is the systematic eradication of an entire population,” Keskin said.

He added that more than 220 journalists and over 1,000 healthcare workers have been killed, making Gaza one of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian personnel.

“Babies Are Starving, Families Eating Weeds”

Keskin also highlighted Israel's continued blockade on humanitarian aid, which has prevented food, water, and medicine from reaching much of the Gaza Strip.

“In parts of Gaza, people have been without aid for weeks. Children are dying from hunger, babies from malnutrition, and families are eating weeds to survive,” he said.

He described how severe dehydration and the use of contaminated water have led to outbreaks of cholera and chronic diarrhea, especially among children, further exacerbating the humanitarian disaster.

“Water, electricity, and fuel are being used as weapons of war. Gaza is being starved into submission. This is collective punishment. This is a war crime,” he said.

“Condemnations Are Not Enough”

Keskin urged the Islamic world and the international community to move beyond symbolic gestures and act decisively.

“Islamic countries must do more than issue condemnations. They must mobilize their political, economic, and military power to break the siege and stop the massacre,” he said.

He also criticized international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court for failing to enforce their own rulings.

“The occupiers do not recognize international law. The UN passes resolutions while Gaza burns. The ICC issues warrants while children starve. We need action, not paperwork,” he said.

Keskin emphasized that the resistance of the Palestinian people continues to inspire movements for justice around the world. “Despite the bombs, the hunger, and the silence of the world, our brothers and sisters in Gaza have not given up. They continue their noble struggle with unmatched courage.”

Recent Attacks on Aid Workers Condemned

Keskin also condemned a recent Israeli airstrike that killed five members of Türkiye’s IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation in Gaza, who were working on aid delivery. Two others were seriously injured.

“Targeting those who bring aid is a crime against all humanity. These brave individuals risked their lives to help the oppressed. We demand international accountability for these attacks,” he stated.

“The Fight for Gaza Is the Fight for Justice Everywhere”

The event concluded with a collective prayer for the martyrs of the Mavi Marmara and the thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza. Keskin ended his speech with a rallying call to conscience:

“Gaza is not alone. The blood of the martyrs waters the tree of justice. Every person of conscience, every government, and every institution must rise to stop this genocide. We will not be silent. We will not stop until Gaza is free.”

The commemoration concluded with a collective prayer for the martyrs of Mavi Marmara and for the steadfast people of Gaza, with participants vowing to intensify their efforts in advocating for justice, humanitarian support, and the liberation of Palestine. (ILKHA)