HÜDA PAR Mersin Deputy Faruk Dinç issued a strong call for solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian flotilla of nearly 50 ships sailing toward besieged Gaza to break the ongoing blockade and deliver aid.

Speaking at a press event in Mersin, Dinç emphasized the historic and moral significance of the mission, which brings together vessels from countries including Spain, Tunisia, Italy, and Greece. The Flotilla, which set sail from Sicily nearly a week ago, has faced several technical challenges, but according to Dinç, all issues have now been resolved. “Alhamdulillah, our Flotilla is now steadily advancing towards Gaza,” he said.

Dinç revealed that activists on board were enduring harsh conditions aboard boats not originally built for such long journeys, while also facing intimidation. “We received information that drones flew over some of the ships last night,” he noted, underscoring the risks faced by the participants.

Calling the initiative a mission of “peace, mercy, and humanity,” Dinç stressed that the Sumud Flotilla carries no political or military agenda. “There is no element of violence in this flotilla. It is solely a call from people of conscience,” he declared. “Therefore, all countries of the world—especially Islamic countries—should stand by this flotilla and clearly declare that they will protect it. Any harm to this Flotilla would mean a blow not only to the passengers but to the dignity of all humanity.”

The deputy also reminded that Turkish citizens have an important role in supporting the mission. “People must not remain indifferent to calls for support on social media, digital platforms, and in public squares. The Sumud Flotilla offers great hope, and it is our collective responsibility to keep that hope alive,” Dinç urged.

Events in Mersin have already seen citizens gather in public squares to express solidarity with the mission. Dinç affirmed that the Flotilla symbolizes global conscience against oppression in Gaza, stressing that protecting it is a shared duty of governments and peoples alike. (ILKHA)