The Women’s Branch of HÜDA PAR (Free Cause Party) organized an art exhibition and awareness stand at the historic Hazreti Süleyman Complex in Diyarbakır’s Sur district.

The initiative aimed to shed light on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to keep the Global Sumud Flotilla — a massive international effort to break the 18-year blockade of the Gaza Strip — in the public eye.

The exhibition featured symbolic artwork reflecting Gaza’s suffering under the relentless Israeli assault and highlighted the courage of the flotilla participants sailing toward the besieged enclave.

Speaking at the event, HÜDA PAR Diyarbakır Women’s Branch Deputy Chair Fatma Akgönül said that standing with the Sumud Flotilla is an act of supporting Gaza’s steadfast resistance.

“The Sumud Flotilla set sail 15 days ago. As HÜDA PAR, we have been active since day one due to the events in Gaza. We strive to highlight Gaza’s struggles through press statements, marches, and rallies. When the Sumud Flotilla took to the sea, we said, ‘They fight at sea, and we fight on land.’ The purpose of this exhibition is to show that they are not alone — we stand with them,” Akgönül declared.

She noted that the flotilla — which consists of more than 50 ships carrying thousands of activists from 44 countries — has become a symbol of moral defiance against the blockade and genocide imposed by the Israeli occupation.

Akgönül emphasized that the volunteers on board are facing countless obstacles, including sabotage attempts, Israeli threats, and dangerous sea conditions.

“We stand with Gaza. Our prayers are with the Sumud Flotilla; we pray for them day and night. Two weeks ago, we organized a park event to raise awareness about the flotilla. The world is silent; Gaza has been abandoned. Leaders of Islamic nations are asleep. But despite everything, volunteers from Türkiye and around the world are crossing seas and overcoming challenges to reach Gaza. Our hearts, souls, and prayers are with them. May their path be clear and their ships blessed like the ship of Prophet Noah,” she said.

Akgönül called for state authorities in Türkiye and leaders of the 44 countries represented in the flotilla to declare their support publicly and to guarantee the safety of their citizens participating in the mission.

The HÜDA PAR representative delivered a sharp rebuke to world leaders who have failed to take meaningful action to end the genocide in Gaza.

“We no longer have expectations from world leaders. They have done nothing so far. We call on our country’s leaders: at the very least, declare your support for the Sumud Flotilla. Say, ‘We stand with our people. If anything happens to the Sumud Flotilla, we will confront the occupying regime.’ We also call on the leaders of 44 countries to support their citizens in the flotilla. Even if they remain silent, God’s promise will come true: Gaza will be free. On that day, those silent leaders will face ruin,” she warned.

The event in Diyarbakır is one of many solidarity actions taking place across Türkiye and the world, as public pressure mounts to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and to end the siege. Activists say that the success of the Sumud Flotilla could represent a historic breakthrough, not only in delivering aid but in reviving the global conscience against apartheid and occupation. (ILKHA)