The three-ship flotilla, organized to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza from Turkey, was prevented from sailing by Guinea-Bissau authorities who removed their country’s flags from two of the ships. The surprise inspection by the Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry just before the flotilla was set to sail resulted in the cancellation of the vessels’ registry, making it impossible for them to sail without flags. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, made up of Turkish and international organizations, blamed Israel for applying pressure to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza.
Organizer and steering committee member Torstein Dahle expressed disappointment on behalf of the hundreds of Turkish and international participants who were looking forward to the mission. He mentioned that it takes time to procure a flag and that the cancellation was a setback, but they are not giving up on their goal of reaching Gaza with humanitarian aid. The close contact between Israel and the president of Guinea-Bissau was alluded to by Dahle, although he did not provide further details on the matter.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition includes Turkish and international organizations, such as the IHH and the Mavi Marmara Association from Turkey. The Mavi Marmara Association had organized a similar flotilla in 2010, which ended tragically when Israeli commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara in international waters. The altercation that followed led to the deaths of nine people and the injury of dozens of activists. On the Israeli side, seven soldiers were wounded by activists who used clubs, knives, and pipes in the confrontation.
The cancellation of the flotilla by Guinea-Bissau authorities has raised concerns about the freedom of humanitarian missions to Gaza and the influence of external pressures on such missions. The political implications of preventing aid from reaching Gaza have also been highlighted by the organizers of the flotilla, who believe that Israel played a role in the decision to prevent their sailing. Despite the setback, the organizers remain determined to find a solution and continue their efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The incident has also shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents continue to face hardships due to a lack of basic necessities. The importance of international aid and solidarity in supporting the people of Gaza has been underscored by the actions of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and their commitment to delivering aid to those in need. The response of the international community to the prevention of the flotilla from sailing will be closely watched as the organizers regroup and plan their next steps in their mission to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.
