What Turkish media report: “The Global Flotilla issued a written statement regarding the attack by the Israeli military on the flotilla in international waters.
The statement said that 21 vessels belonging to the flotilla are being held by Israeli forces in international waters, a few miles from Greek territorial waters.
It added: ‘The vessel Tam Tam, which was part of the flotilla during the intervention, sustained damage during the operation by Israeli naval commandos and was left immobilised in open waters.’ It also noted that the crew and activists on board are in good health.
The statement further said that discussions are ongoing with the Greek authorities to ensure that the vessel Tam Tam can be safely towed to the nearest shore, and added the following:
Turkish authorities stated that the Israeli military, which intervened against the Global Flotilla in international waters — more than 600 miles from Gaza and just a few miles from Greek territorial waters — arrested 20 Turkish citizens who were on board the flotilla. The names of the 20 Turkish citizens among the detained activists, along with information about their vessels, are as follows:
Mustafa Enes Topal (Saf Saf), Muhammed Özdem (Saf Saf), Ali Deniz (Esplai), Yunus Kava (Esplai), Şahin Yaslık (Saf Saf), Mustafa Arslan (Saf Saf), Abdulselam Demir (Freia), Nevzat Öylek (Esplai), Nevzatova Güzel (Esplai), Abdüllatif Faslı (Freia), Hüseyin Şuayb Ordu (Saf Saf), Mahmut Akay (Saf Saf), Görkem Duru (Ghea), Mehmet Atlı (Ghea), Mükremin Köse (Freia), Ramazan Tekdemir (Freia), Mahmut Çağatay Yavuz (Eros 1).
Speaking live on 24 TV this morning, Bilali Yıldırım, an activist from the Sumud Flotilla, said: “We expected an intervention near Gaza. We had made preparations for that. They began the operation off the Greek coast. Initially, they intervened with drones. At the moment, our only concern is the condition of our friends.”
Yıldırım added: “We are continuing our journey, heading towards Gaza. We will not give up; we will break the blockade.”
He also stated: “None of our friends joined this flotilla to become heroes. Our heroes are the Palestinians. We admire them.”
Turkish activist Bilali Yıldırım further said: “I believe Israel, as well as those who encouraged and allowed it to intervene against such a flotilla near Greek waters, should be held accountable.”
“THE DAY WE RETURN HOME, WE WILL PLAN THE FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOTILLA.”
Turkish activist Mehmet Yıldırım said: “We have absolutely no fear or anxiety, because our stance against what we see as the most cowardly nation in the world will be the best response.”
He added: “They think we are afraid. The day we return home, we will be planning to send the fourth and fifth flotilla. These actions will continue. We will do everything we can for our brothers and sisters in Gaza.”
