The Turkish newspaper “Türkiye” reports a remarkable development in international civil protest: a flotilla, titled “Rejecting the Genocide Carried Out by Israel,” comprising approximately 1,000 boats, 313 of which hail from Russia, is planning to set sail towards Israel. This flotilla, carrying around 4,500 individuals, represents a major global outcry against the ongoing situation in Gaza.
According to the newspaper, the majority of these boats come from Western countries, with a unified message to Israel: “Stop.” This unprecedented movement is set to embark on its journey towards the coast of Gaza.
Volkan Oktay, the organizer of the Turkish segment of this operation, in a press statement said, “We will not give Israel a winning card. Notably, no Arab countries will participate in this event.” He emphasized that the largest group of participants is from Russia, with 313 boats, followed by Spain with 104 boats, and Turkey contributing 12 boats.
Oktay added, “We hope this number will increase. We will proceed by strictly adhering to international rules, without giving Israel any excuse. Our first stop will be Northern Cyprus for necessary supplies, and our destination after Cyprus will be the Israeli port of Ashdod. This is a reaction and civil disobedience against the inhumane massacre committed by Israel.”
Approximately 1,000 boats from various countries will gather in Turkey on Wednesday, 22nd November, united by their opposition to the “ongoing genocide carried out by Israel in Gaza.”
The fleet, comprising about 4,500 individuals from 40 different countries, aims to reach Gaza by sea. These boats will depart from Turkey on 23rd November. Among the participants in this maritime fleet are Jews opposed to Zionism.
The organizers claim that this flotilla represents the largest protest action to date, aimed at protecting oppressed Palestinians and amplifying their plight to the world. This event marks a significant moment in global activism, highlighting the growing international discontent with Israel’s policies in Gaza. It demonstrates a unique form of protest combining international solidarity and civil disobedience, with participants coming together to make a bold statement against what they view as injustices in the region. The flotilla is not just a journey across the Mediterranean but a powerful symbol of resistance and a call for change, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the need for international intervention.