A contingent of Turkish ships has set sail for the Gaza Strip in order to break the blockade of the region and deliver humanitarian aid to Gazans.
The three cargo vessels left Istanbul on Saturday to join an international fleet organized by the human rights organization, Free Gaza Movement.
The seaport was overwhelmed by thousands of well-wishers, who had come to show their support for the people of Gaza, Press TV correspondent Hassan Ghani reported.
Before departing, the organizers from different countries, including: Greece, Ireland and Sweden, outlined their reasons for joining the project and warned Israel not to interfere with the humanitarian act.
"Even if Israel stops us, if we have to swim, we will swim to Gaza," said Noorazman Shamsuddin, one of the organizers.
The Israeli navy, which has prevented many ships from entering the coastal region, has told the aid vessels not to come to the Gaza Strip.
The Free Gaza Movement is coordinating with numerous pro-Palestinian groups in the Freedom Flotilla project. The nine-vessel flotilla is set to cast anchor at the docks of Gaza on Thursday.
The Freedom Flotilla convoy is carrying 5,000 tons of construction material, medical equipment, and school supplies, as well as around 600 people from 40 countries.
Since 2007, the siege of Gaza has deprived 1.5 million Palestinians of fuel, food, and other basic necessities.
Shocking news!
I am still trying to get the full picture ...
what full picture is there? every ship was searched for so called 'weapons' before they left their ports
He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. [Quran {33:43}] www.QuranicAudio.com www.Quran.com
do you agree this was an act of terrorism? or are you going to wait until israel claims it was attacked first?
If my understanding of the story is correct, then it could be classified as an act of terrorism since it sounds like civilians have been targeted. The Israelis have already claimed they were attacked first, which I find hard to believe.
Greetings,
If my understanding of the story is correct, then it could be classified as an act of terrorism since it sounds like civilians have been targeted. The Israelis have already claimed they were attacked first, which I find hard to believe.
I could be wrong, though.
Peace
Yes, it's a lie of course. How can these people attack the Israeli Army (by foods ?). And why should they attack Israel ? As I know, they were avoiding the israeli soldiers as possible as they can.
Last edited by marwen; 05-31-2010 at 12:57 PM.
"O you who believe! Fear ALLAH as He should be feared" [aal 'Imraan, 102]
If my understanding of the story is correct, then it could be classified as an act of terrorism since it sounds like civilians have been targeted. The Israelis have already claimed they were attacked first, which I find hard to believe.
I could be wrong, though.
Peace
just for once will you zionists accept that the IDF are terrorists, with no ifs and no buts? they are an internationally recognised and supported terrorist group why can't you accept that?
this time the civilians were in the middle of an ocean surrounded by warships, why would anyone risk carrying weapons knowing that zionazi's will look for the smallest excuse to massacre them all?
He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. [Quran {33:43}] www.QuranicAudio.com www.Quran.com
Israeli forces attack aid Gaza aid flotilla, kill activists
Israeli forces attack aid Gaza aid flotilla, kill activists
Israeli commandos on Monday stormed six ships carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists on an aid mission to the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing as many as 19 people and wounding dozens after encountering unexpected resistance as the forces boarded the vessels.
Israel's Channel 10 TV said 19 passengers were killed and 36 wounded when Israeli commandos stormed ships carrying Palestinian activists and aid to the besieged Gaza Strip on Monday.
According to the private channel, Israeli marine commandos had opened fire after being attacked with axes and knives by a number of the passengers on board the aid ships, the television said, without giving the source of its information.
It was not clear whether the clashes were taking place on just one of the six boats making up the aid convoy, and the Israeli army had no immediate comment on the incident.
Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military censor ordered a block on all information regarding those injured or killed during the storming of the ship.
The attack on the flotilla, which included a Turkish-flagged vessel and Turkish crew, may widen a rift between the two countries dating back to Israel’s three-week military offensive on the Gaza strip in 2008. The two countries have a military cooperation accord, but Turkey refused to invite Israel jets to participate in exercises last year.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli raid, saying it may permanently damage relations.
“By targeting innocent civilians, Israel has once again showed completely clearly that it counts human life and peace-making initiatives as nothing,” according to the ministry’s e-mail statement Monday morning. “This regrettable act, carried out in international waters in serious violation of international law, may cause damage to our relations that will be impossible to repair.
“Israel will have to bear the consequences of this behavior that breaches international law,” the Turkish statement said. “Whatever the justification, it is impossible to accept such actions against civilians engaged in peace-making activities.”
News channels say Turkish police have blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul following reports of the Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound aid ships in international waters.
Broadcasters CNNTürk and NTV showed dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police Monday. Murat Mercan, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, said he believed Israel is "engaged in activity that will extremely hurt its image." Protesters also gathered outside the Israeli ambassador's residence in the Turkish capital. Israel denied its forces attacked the boats but said they would keep them away from Gaza.
Hamas on Monday urged Arabs and Muslims to "rise up" in front of Israeli embassies across the globe in protest against Israel's deadly raid on a fleet of aid ships destined for the Gaza Strip. "We call on all Arabs and Muslims to rise up in front of Zionist embassies across the whole world," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, using the Arabic word “intifada.” The Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya slammed the "ugly attack" in a statement in which he called for "the United Nations to protect the activists" on board the boats.
Israel on Monday expressed "sorrow" for those killed when Israeli navy seals stormed the aid convoy, an Israeli Cabinet minister said.
"I can only express my sorrow over all the deaths," Industry and Trade Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer told army radio by phone from Doha where he is attending the World Economic Forum.
Turkey withdraws envoy to Israel, calls urgent UN meeting, deputy PM says
Turkey's deputy prime minister said Turkey was withdrawing its ambassador to Israel, canceling three joint military exercises and calling on the U.N. Security Council to meet urgently over Israeli action against Gaza aid ships.
Bülent Arınç said Turkey was withdrawing its ambassador on Monday, saying that Israel's actions were equal to "piracy," The Associated Press reported.
Israeli commandos raided parts of the flotilla early Monday morning, killing at least 10 passengers. Arınç said about 400 out of 581 passengers on the main aid ship, the Mavi Marmara, are Turks.
"Not only Turkish citizens but the whole world will condemn Israel's bloody attack on peace and humanitarian values," Arınç said in televised remarks Monday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu called on the U.N. Security Council for an urgent meeting.
Arınç also said Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül called Ehud Barak, his Israeli counterpart, and listed the following demands:
- Security and repatriation of Turkish citizens
- Treatment for the wounded
- Return of the ships
"We want to treat the wounded in Turkey and emergency helicopters are ready for the task," Arınç said. "Israel's assault is a sort of piracy in the open sea. Israel should lift the embargo and deliver the aid to the Palestinian people."
[17:8] It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if ye revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments): And we have made Hell a prison for those who reject (all Faith).
I've read some extremely absurd comments by westerners like "Turkey had this coming!", "shame on Turkey!"... is this western civilization? You are the most barbaric people in the world, have always been and will always be. May Allah destroy all our enemies.
Last edited by Argamemnon; 05-31-2010 at 01:09 PM.
At the sea were also ship from Algeria. Egypt kidnapped it.
Thats cause Hosni Mubarak(La'natullahi alayk) is a hungry dog of the western governments. Where are all the Israel lovers?? I guess they have no excuse to back Israel this time, that is why they are hiding themselves.
May Allah send disasters to Israel like the disasters of Aad and Nooh. may Allah give severe punishment to the hypocrites who keep their mouth shut. Oh Allah take care of these Pigs and Monkeys who kill your slaves and mock at your religion..‘O Allaah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!’ Laa Illaha Illa anta subhaanak inna kunna mina atthalimeen. Oh Allah unite the muslims and join our hearts on one belief. oh Allah send the khalifah to this ummah, which is in need of justice.
Last edited by shuraimfan4lyf; 05-31-2010 at 01:14 PM.
Then how can you avoid the punishment, if you disbelieve, on a Day that will make the children grey-headed?
Sura Al-Muzzammil 73:17
^ Aameen ! May Allah make the death of Israel near and give palestinians it's freedom, they suffered for long time without support from others:unhappy:
"O you who believe! Fear ALLAH as He should be feared" [aal 'Imraan, 102]
I've read some extremely absurd comments by westerners like "Turkey had this coming!", "shame on Turkey!"... is this western civilization? You are the most barbaric people in the world, have always been and will always be. May Allah destroy all our enemies.
they are all filthy zionist kaffirs, they will be humiliated in jahanum, May Allah torment them in the deepest parts of hell
so far they're defending their terrorism by saying:
- the people attacked were extremists (probably cause they had beards)
- they had weapons (probably kitchen knives or broomsticks)
- they were acting violent (probably begging for their lives)
He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. [Quran {33:43}] www.QuranicAudio.com www.Quran.com
they are all filthy zionist kaffirs, they will be humiliated in jahanum, May Allah torment them in the deepest parts of hell
so far they're defending their terrorism by saying:
- the people attacked were extremists (probably cause they had beards)
- they had weapons (probably kitchen knives or broomsticks)
- they were acting violent (probably begging for their lives)
Israel tries so hard to make themselves look soo innocent by blaming everything on the people they have just killed. Even if the people were acting violent, its because they are protecting themselves from something Naajis (pigs). Thats how low these Zionists are. Most of Israel's population has to serve army. So I wouldnt mind if few rockets hit here and there. may Allah make it come true.
Then how can you avoid the punishment, if you disbelieve, on a Day that will make the children grey-headed?
Sura Al-Muzzammil 73:17
Zionist Nazi's. The biggest terrorists in the world yet the Western world will not bat an eye-lid.
Low life scum of a country.
If this isn't terrorism then what is. These brave people were unarmed and all they were trying to do was to deiver aid to the malnourished Palestinians of Gaza. Yet they were attacked and killed.
format_quote Originally Posted by shuraimfan4lyf
May Allah send disasters to Israel like the disasters of Aad and Nooh. may Allah give severe punishment to the hypocrites who keep their mouth shut. Oh Allah take care of these Pigs and Monkeys who kill your slaves and mock at your religion..‘O Allaah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!’ Laa Illaha Illa anta subhaanak inna kunna mina atthalimeen. Oh Allah unite the muslims and join our hearts on one belief. oh Allah send the khalifah to this ummah, which is in need of justice.(
Ameen. Summa Ameen.
Brothers & sister don't forget the 6 fasts of Shawwal
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari(ra) narrated, the Prophet(SAW) said, "Whoever fasted Ramadan with the then connect with the (fasting) six days in Shawwal, the (reward) as he was fasting for a year." (Muslim,Abu Dawood,al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaai & Ibn Maajah).
All I say is : Congratulations to Israel you can do all you want, now as you're surrounded by a bunch of coward arabic an islamic governments who just keep their mouth shut.
! الموت لاسرائيل ! الموت لامريكا ! الموت للعملاء
Last edited by marwen; 05-31-2010 at 01:44 PM.
"O you who believe! Fear ALLAH as He should be feared" [aal 'Imraan, 102]
Families of those attacked on Turkish aid ship devastated
The families of those on the Gaza aid flotilla that was attacked by Israeli soldiers early Monday morning rush to the building of the Humanitarian Aid Foundation in hope of receiving good news about their loved ones. Some are relieved to see their relatives alive after the operation, although others are preparing for the worst
Aynur Akdeniz's husband, Mehmet Ali Akdeniz, was on a Gaza aid ship in the flotilla. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GÜREL
As Aynur Akdeniz saw the first videos showing the attacks of Israel on the Gaza aid flotilla, she said she immediately switched off the TV to prevent her two children from seeing it. Her husband Mehmet Ali Akdeniz, 34, was on the ship.
After watching the news of an early morning Israeli army operation that killed as many as 19 people on a flotilla bringing aid to the Gaza Strip, Akdeniz rushed to the Humanitarian Aid Foundation, or İHH’s, building in Istanbul’s Fatih district.
The İHH was the main organizer of the aid shipments and its crisis management center, located at the top floor of the building, was bustling all day. Families rushed to the İHH building in the early hours of the morning and the press conference room was filled with crying families who watched developments on a television in the room.
Akdeniz said she was planning to travel to Gaza together with her husband, but they decided not to because of the young age of their children.
“My son is 4 years old and my daughter is 6. They packed 300 lollipops for their father to take to Palestinian children in Gaza,” she said through tears.
Although her children have still not comprehended the unfolding events, they are also worried, Akdeniz said.
“They are asking about their father and they are worried even though I didn’t let them see the attack videos on TV,” she said.
Like the other families gathered at the İHH building trying to obtain news from their relatives on the ship, Akdeniz said she was shocked by the attacks and that she was worried and crying.
“I did not expect that much cruelty. My husband even did not have a pocket knife on him,” she said. “It was a strict rule for all of them not to have anything that might be used as a weapon. But Israel was afraid of a few civilian people.”
Akdeniz said she heard from friends that they saw a man who looked like her husband and that he was alive after the attacks.
Of the nearly 600 people on the Mavi Marmara ship, roughly 400 were Turkish citizens, according to İHH Vice Director Yavuz Dede, who said the passengers included men, women, and an 18-month-old baby.
Sümeyye Sena Tezcan, a 15-year-old high school student whose mother, Demet Tezcan, was on the ship, said she was relieved when she saw her mother in images on TV. “She was running during the attacks and was helping wounded people.”
Tezcan said her younger sister gave her baby doll to her mother and told her to give it to children in Gaza.
When her mother left home on May 24 for Antalya in preparation for boarding the ship at the Mediterranean port, Sümeyye Sena Tezcan said it was an ordinary day for the family. The mother was excited about the trip and was looking forward to seeing Gaza for the first time when the family last saw her at the İHH building, according to the daughter.
“She told us to take care of each other before leaving. We were afraid, we were worried, but never expected something horrible like this could happen,” she said.
Preparing for bad news
But while some families rejoiced at the apparent safety of their loved ones, many others were much worried about the fate of their loved ones.
Selma Erkal, whose brother Şahin İbrahim Güleryüz, 42, was on the ship, came immediately to the İHH building as soon as she saw the videos on TV.
She said she saw her brother in the videos on TV. “He had fainted, his head fallen on his chest, and there were people trying to help him,” said Erkal, who believed her brother had been wounded.
“We wanted to believe that he is only wounded, but he could also be dead. He has two sons and we did not tell his wife what we saw. We wouldn’t know what to say,” said Erkal, who was waiting at İHH in hope of good news.
Like others, Erkal said she was expecting a response from Israel, although not one so fatal. “I did not expect such a wild intervention. They were all unarmed people carrying humanitarian aid.”
Hatice Çorluk, whose son Fevzi Çorluk, 24, was on the ship, said she had expected the Israeli army’s response.
Struggling to speak due to her anguish, Çorluk said Turkey had abandoned those onboard.
Neslihan Üstündağ, Fevzi Çorluk’s sister, said those on the ship had called for help many times during the night before the attack occurred. “But Turkey did not do anything. It could have sent a ship to help them.”
The members of the Çorluk family said they had been crying all day and that they simply wanted to receive good news about their loved one’s condition.
Hayrünnisa Abdurrahman, a mother of four, said she was afraid her husband, Abdülahad Abdurrahman, 40, could be dead.
“He is a man who cannot stand injustice. I fear that he might have intervened during the attacks to save people from Israeli soldiers,” she said through tears. Abdurrahman has four children.
Before leaving home, Abdurrahman told his wife that the journey could be potentially fatal and asked for her blessing.
When he boarded the vessel, he had no possessions that could be construed as a weapon except a sewing needle with which to repair any tears to his pants, she said
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