The “Support for the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza” rally continued for its third consecutive day in Mersin on Monday, drawing hundreds of participants united in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Organized to highlight the ongoing oppression in Gaza and the broader struggle against the Israeli occupation, the rally emphasized humanitarian aid, moral responsibility, and international solidarity. The event, held at Mersin İdman Yurdu Square, reflected widespread public support for breaking the decades-long siege on Gaza.

The rally began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Enes Bayar Hoca, setting a spiritual tone for the program. Speeches were delivered by prominent figures including Hakan Ayçoban, Mediterranean Region Coordinator of the Prophet Lovers Foundation; Yasin Güngör, Provincial Chairman of the Anatolia Youth Association; and Faruk Dinç, HÜDA PAR Mersin Deputy, all highlighting the urgent need for tangible action to support Gaza.

Faith, Patience, and Perseverance in the Face of Oppression

Hakan Ayçoban opened by reflecting on the story of Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him), who grieved for his son Joseph but never ceased praying to Allah. Drawing a parallel to the Palestinian struggle, Ayçoban said: “We too turn to Allah and pray: O Lord, do not abandon our brothers and sisters in Gaza. You are their remedy, you are their solution. Protect those who strive for them.” He urged the attendees to remain steadfast, patient, and prayerful, stressing that collective moral and spiritual resolve can challenge the blockade and oppression in Gaza.

Yasin Güngör addressed the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem, calling for a future where Palestinians and their allies would gather freely at Al-Aqsa Mosque. “May Allah, the Almighty, gather us together in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque, just as we gather here in Mersin under this flag, on the shores of our coast,” he declared. “Prepare yourselves for that day of conquest, for victory is near, and it belongs to the believers.”

Güngör also highlighted Gaza’s vulnerability, comparing it to an orphaned child, and invoked the legacy of past Muslim leaders, including Saladin, Sultan Selim, the Ottomans, and Necmettin Erbakan, emphasizing that the responsibility now falls on the current generation to protect the Palestinian people.

Global Solidarity and the Role of the Global Sumud Flotilla

Faruk Dinç stressed that words and speeches alone are insufficient, saying: “The words to be said about Gaza have run out. Now is the time for action. Rallies and parliamentary efforts have not stopped the genocide. Most recently, we reached the Rafah Border Crossing with the ‘Global Conscience March’ and witnessed firsthand the human suffering caused by the blockade.”

Dinç highlighted the creation of the Global Sumud Fleet, a coalition of volunteers from diverse nations, religions, and ethnic backgrounds, united by conscience, compassion, and humanity. “Ninety percent of this fleet is non-Muslim, yet they set sail to break the blockade on Gaza because they knew they were on the side of justice,” he said. He emphasized that the flotilla represents not only the volunteers onboard but the moral conscience of people worldwide who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.

He added a profound moral warning: “On Judgment Day, we will give account to Allah for our actions. Whoever speaks up for Gaza now will have our support. Any harm against this flotilla is an attack on all people of conscience.”

A Broader Call to Action and Responsibility

The rally also served as a platform to unite people across religions, ethnicities, and nations under a shared humanitarian cause. Speakers underscored that Gaza’s plight is not only a Palestinian issue but a test of global conscience and humanity. Attendees pledged to continue advocating for Palestinians, holding governments and international organizations accountable, and participating in initiatives such as the Global Sumud Fleet to challenge the ongoing blockade.

The event concluded with heartfelt prayers for Gaza, the success of the Sumud Fleet, and the eventual liberation of Palestinian territories. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to remain in public squares, raise awareness, and support humanitarian and resistance efforts until Gaza is freed from siege and oppression.

The Global Sumud Flotilla initiative is the latest in a series of international efforts to break the 18-year-long Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has confined over 2.4 million Palestinians to one of the world’s most densely populated areas. Previous flotillas, including the Madleen and Handala missions, were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, with participants detained and deported.

The Mersin rally highlights not only the moral responsibility of civil society in Türkiye but also the growing global solidarity for Palestine, reflecting a broad coalition of activists, religious groups, and human rights advocates united against oppression and humanitarian injustice.

By combining moral, spiritual, and practical action, the participants and organizers of the rally emphasized that the struggle for Gaza is ongoing and requires persistent international attention, advocacy, and intervention. The Global Sumud Flotilla, with its multinational volunteers, represents a concrete step in this global effort to support the besieged Palestinian people and challenge the injustice imposed upon them. (ILKHA)