The Ship of Conscience, affiliated with the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition and stationed in Haydarpaşa Port for the past two months, represents a crucial humanitarian lifeline for Gaza. It has been filled with essential aid through the efforts of the Mavi Marmara Association, the coalition's Turkish representative. With humanitarian aid prepared and volunteers keeping vigil day and night, the vessel waits for official clearance to deliver supplies to Gaza, where dire need has escalated amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and genocidal aggression.

During his address, Yapıcıoğlu emphasized the urgency of sustained action, noting that attempts to launch this new flotilla had been in the works since November 2023. "Our friends have been waiting here for weeks for this flotilla to go to Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid," Yapıcıoğlu stated. “Until Gaza is freed from oppression, blockade, and genocide, everyone should make every effort to do whatever they can."

He outlined various roles for both citizens and officials, including humanitarian aid delivery, social media campaigns, and policy efforts. Reflecting the ongoing legislative efforts, Yapıcıoğlu pointed to HÜDA PAR’s recent proposal in Parliament, aiming to hold dual citizens accountable for any involvement in actions deemed genocidal.

Highlighting the global implications of the conflict, Yapıcıoğlu warned that the ambitions of Zionist forces could extend beyond Gaza, threatening stability across the region. "The target of the Zionists is not only Gaza," he remarked, "If they are not stopped there, maybe tomorrow they will plan to occupy Beirut, then Damascus, and perhaps our own lands in Iraq, Iran.”

Calling for solidarity across the Islamic world, Yapıcıoğlu emphasized the importance of unified resistance against Israel’s aggressive actions. He appealed to all Islamic countries and those beyond who "are not slaves to Zionism" to act decisively, warning that the crisis in Gaza has become more than a regional conflict. “This is not only a war waged by Zionism against Gaza, not only against Muslims. They have declared war on the whole of humanity," he stated. “Everyone should do whatever they can to stop these savages.”

At the conclusion of his visit, Yapıcıoğlu was presented with a model of the Mavi Marmara ship, a poignant reminder of past efforts to support Gaza. Inscribing a banner at the port, he left a message of resolve and hope, writing, "Oppression cannot continue forever. We must endeavor to eliminate oppression."

Yapıcıoğlu's call for global solidarity, combined with continued efforts by humanitarian organizations and public advocates, underscores the deepening crisis and the determination of many to work towards a future where peace and justice prevail. (ILKHA)