By alex, The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, September 4, 2024

** THE FREEDOM WATCH HAS BEGUN!**

At 6:30pm today, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and its local allies initiated the “Freedom Watch” action to free our boats from Haydarpaşa port in Istanbul so that we can sail to bring desperately needed humanitarian aid and break the genocidal siege on Gaza.

The Israeli attacks since October 7 have reached the level of genocide, where tens of thousands of civilians have been massacred in Gaza. While all of this is happening before the eyes of the world, people of conscience have reacted to this genocide in the name of humanity. Millions of people with a conscience have protested in the streets to stand against this genocide and make the world aware of the brutality of the occupying state. But what have the authorities, who have the power to stop this genocide, done in response to humanity’s outcry?

While the many condemnations, suspension of relations with Israel, and restrictions on trade with the occupying power are all significant steps, they have not yet ended the genocide. Israel, which is killing people like a terrorist organization and occupying Palestinian lands, has not taken a single step back from its attacks.

Freedom Flotilla Steering Committee member ⁨Beheşti İsmail⁩ stated, “As human beings we have a duty to stop this genocide committed by Israel and its collaborators. We have prepared ships to break the blockade and carry humanitarian aid and these ships need to be allowed to sail.”

Although the Conscience ship, which is ready to set sail from Türkiye and stop at European ports to carry out awareness-raising actions, has completed all the necessary procedures to set sail, the Turkish Ministry of Transport is not granting permission for it to leave the port, without providing any explanation as to why this exit permit has not been granted. We understand that there are certain political reasons and concerns behind the withholding of this required document.

So, what will we do in the face of this genocide? Regardless of belief, color, race, or nationality, we call on all people of conscience to take action against this unprecedentedly brazen genocide, to say to the arrogant occupier Israel, “Enough, your time is up!”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition believes that with the movement we have initiated, a ceasefire can be achieved in Palestine, humanitarian aid can reach Gaza, and the genocide can be stopped.

The people of Palestine are waiting for us. The people of Palestine are waiting for the peoples of the world, their last hope, to take action against the ruthless genocide being inflicted upon them. Now is time for people of conscience to take action.

⁨Beheşti İsmail⁩ contiues, on behalf of the FFC “Any political obstacles placed in our path are walls that must be overcome and torn down. Those who build these walls will not be able to account for their actions before the conscience of the world.”

We invite all people of conscience to the Freedom Watch action we have started in front of the Haydarpaşa Port in Istanbul, where the Conscience ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has been chained.

Our protests will continue until the Conscience sets sail.

For further information and updates, please visit our website or contact our media team at media@freedomflotilla.org

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When governments fail, we sail!