Bülent Yıldırım, president of the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (İHH), a Turkish charity organization with links to radical jihadist groups, has unveiled new plans for the organization of a fleet of ships aimed at breaking Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza. Speaking at an event in Istanbul on February 17, Yıldırım revealed that the flotilla is scheduled to set sail by the end of March, with simultaneous departures expected from several countries across Europe.

During his speech Yıldırım urged participants to donate towards the purchase of ships, stating, “The time for speeches has passed. The time for good intentions has passed. Now we’re going to Jerusalem and Gaza, to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

“We will test both the Egyptian and Gazan entry points from the sea. Israel previously conducted a raid on the Mavi Marmara. This time, they won’t be able to do anything. Even if they do, so what? We’ll become martyrs, and let whoever wants to come, come, and those who don’t, let them show their support,” Yıldırım added.

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The new flotilla is being organized in coordination with various NGOs from Canada, Malaysia, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Ships are planned to simultaneously depart from both the Mediterranean and Turkey, Nordic Monitor has learned.

Yıldırım, along with partner NGOs under the banner of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, convened a press conference on February 10 where he not only underscored Israel’s actions but also drew attention to Egypt’s role in imposing barriers to Gaza.

Continue here: Nordic Monitor