Nearly 100 ships from across the world are preparing to set sail to break the illegal blockade on Gaza, where Israeli occupation regime continues to employ massacre, starvation, and siege as tools of genocide.

The Global Freedom Flotilla, strongly supported by civil society organizations in Türkiye, Europe, and many other regions, is being hailed as a beacon of humanity against one of the most brutal blockades in modern history. Activists, artists, parliamentarians, journalists, and representatives of human rights organizations have all pledged to participate in the flotilla, which aims to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid and reaffirm the collective determination of humanity to resist Israel’s crimes.

A Call of Conscience Against Genocide

At a press conference held in Istanbul, representatives of the “Freedom for Palestine, Breaking the Gaza Blockade Platform” emphasized the historic responsibility of nations and civil society in the face of genocide.

Speaking on behalf of the platform, Selman Esmerer, its president, declared: “This is our call to the world, to the Islamic community, and to the people of Türkiye. Zionism, the greatest scourge in human history, has committed endless massacres since October 7, when the people of Gaza launched their legitimate defense against occupation. Hundreds of thousands have been martyred or wounded – most of them children, women, and the elderly. And now, unable to achieve its goals with bombs and tanks, Israel is seeking victory through starvation. Siege and famine have become the most shameful weapon of mass destruction in human history.”

The flotilla organizers noted that the genocide regime has deliberately prevented even a sack of flour, a bottle of water, or a bowl of food from entering Gaza for months, causing widespread malnutrition, medical collapse, and looming mass deaths.

Starvation as a Weapon of War

Esmerer underscored the horrifying reality: “Deaths from starvation are now claiming Gaza’s infants, children, and the elderly. Doctors are collapsing from hunger while trying to perform surgeries. Gaza is enduring the worst-case scenario of famine, deliberately engineered by the occupying regime. This is not a humanitarian crisis – this is genocide through hunger.”

The platform stressed that what bombs could not achieve, the occupation seeks to impose by cutting off food, water, and medicine. International institutions, including the United Nations, have confirmed that mass deaths due to hunger are imminent, yet Western powers continue to back Israel politically, militarily, and financially.

The Necmettin Erbakan Freedom Flotilla: Türkiye’s Contribution

Türkiye’s civil society organizations have united under the name “Freedom for Palestine, Breaking the Gaza Siege Platform”, preparing their own convoy of ships named the Necmettin Erbakan Freedom Flotilla, in honor of the late Turkish Prime Minister who stood firmly for Palestinian rights.

The flotilla represents the collective efforts of numerous NGOs, each sponsoring ships, with widespread backing from artists, academics, parliamentarians, and activists. Organizers emphasized that the initiative is not just symbolic but a direct humanitarian intervention aimed at delivering aid and breaking the illegal blockade.

Esmerer announced that the Turkish flotilla will be joined by the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of hundreds of ships departing from ports across Europe, Asia, and other regions. He said: “Our ships will reach Gaza under any circumstances, in any conditions. This is not merely an act of solidarity; it is a moral, humanitarian, and spiritual duty.”

An Answer to Silence and Betrayal

Organizers harshly criticized the silence of many Arab and Islamic governments in the face of genocide. While acknowledging efforts by some states, they noted that such steps are insufficient. Instead, the burden has fallen on the shoulders of ordinary people and civil society to act where governments fail.

“Unfortunately, the biggest supporter of the Zionist genocide in Gaza has been global silence. The U.S. and Western powers embolden Israel, but the silence of the Islamic world is equally painful. The people cannot wait any longer – we must break the blockade by air, land, and sea.”

Flotilla as Pressure for Ceasefire

Even before departure, the Flotilla has already exerted pressure on ceasefire talks. Mediators have presented new proposals for a 60-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Organizers believe this proves that moral pressure, grassroots mobilization, and humanitarian defiance can influence international dynamics.

“Our ships have already made an impact before setting sail,” Esmerer said. “We are more confident than ever that the Sumud Flotilla will break this shameful blockade and expose Zionism before the eyes of humanity.”

Carrying Hope, Not Weapons

The flotilla will carry no weapons, only humanitarian aid: food, water, medicine, and basic supplies desperately needed in Gaza. The movement has been described as “a fleet of conscience”, its sails filled with the prayers of the oppressed and the determination of the just.

Organizers vowed to continue their efforts, not just in this flotilla but in all future campaigns:

“We will not falter, we will not tire. With God’s permission, the Freedom Flotilla will carry the good news of the blockade’s end and bring joy to every compassionate heart.”

A Historic Voyage of Conscience

The announcement of the Freedom Flotilla has already reverberated globally, uniting activists, journalists, and humanitarians across continents. Supporters view it as part of a broader struggle for justice and dignity, one that transcends borders and religions, rooted in the belief that oppression must be confronted wherever it exists.

The flotilla recalls earlier attempts such as the Mavi Marmara Freedom Flotilla of 2010, in which nine Turkish activists were martyred after Israel attacked the humanitarian ships in international waters. That massacre remains a wound in global conscience – and a rallying cry for this new effort.

This time, organizers stress, the ships are more numerous, the coalition broader, and the determination stronger. As preparations continue, the world watches with anticipation as the sails of freedom prepare to rise once again. (ILKHA)