Gaza Aid Flotilla Halted After Vessels Flag Removed, Activists Say
The flotilla was to sail on Friday from ports in Turkey with more than 5,000 tonnes of aid on board. Activists described the inspection and request by Guinea Bissau authorities as unusual and political
The Akdeniz RoRo, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, waits to depart from the Tuzla seaport, near Istanbul, last week.Credit: AFP
A humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza was halted after Guinea Bissau decided to remove its flag from two vessels, activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition said on Saturday.
"The Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry (GBISR), in a blatantly political move, informed the Freedom Flotilla Coalition that it had withdrawn the Guinea Bissau flag from two of the Freedom Flotilla's ships, one of which is our cargo ship," the activists said.
The three-strong flotilla had been due to sail on Friday from ports in Turkey with more than 5,000 tonnes of aid on board, the activists said, and described the inspection and request by Guinea Bissau authorities as unusual and political.
Activists hold a press conference inside a ship belonging ti the Freedom Flotilla Coalition while it anchors in the Tuzla seaport, near Istanbul, last week.Credit: AFP
GBISR was not immediately available for comment.
The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) is the primary organizer of the civilian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which is comprised of human rights activists, including lawyers, doctors, and nurses who came together to deliver aid directly to Gaza.
On Friday, United Nations experts demanded the safe passage of the flotilla and called on Israel to adhere to international law and orders of the International Court of Justice to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
3
Mlevine
10:49
Israel would be justified in sinking all ships originating from turkey. Turkey is a hostile pro genocide regime. Erdogan’s regime should never be a part of the European Union; since western civilization must oppose radical Islam that Erdogan promotes.
Gutmensch
13:10Mlevine
@ Mlevine
When you make such basic mistakes as to mix up Israel and Turkey, how can we be expected to take you seriously?
2
Jerry JJJJJ
10:34
Who are these "UN Expert" Are you talkig about so called legal scholar Francesa Albanese, who lied on her application to the UN by falsely claiming that she is a license attorney?
Gutmensch
13:16Jerry JJJJJ
@ Jerry
What on earth are you talking about?
As a basic help for you: Open https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesca_Albanese.
1
Mohammad
07:43
Not surprised at all. Israel is doing everything to kill Palestinians with bullets, bombs, starvation, or make life a living hell so they disappear. How can Jews be free if Palestine is occupied?
