THE Freedom Flotilla Coalition and its local allies began a “freedom watch” protest on Wednesday to release its ships from Haydarpasa port in Istanbul.

The coalition is aiming to provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians and to break the siege of the Gaza Strip.

Freedom Flotilla Steering Committee (FFC) member ⁨Behesti Ismail⁩ said: “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 Turkey 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.

Turkish authorities have failed to provide any explanation for why the exit permit has not been granted. 

The FFC said they believe that “a ceasefire can be achieved in Palestine, humanitarian aid can reach Gaza, and the genocide can be stopped.”

Mr Ismail said: “Any political obstacles placed in our path are walls that must be overcome and torn down.”

The FFC invited “all people of conscience” to join its protest at Haydarpasa Port.