Chair of Turkish non-profit KADEM welcomes Gaza aid flotilla activists in Istanbul

By Gokce Karakose and Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, chairperson of the board of trustees at the Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM), welcomed in Istanbul on Saturday activists who were detained when a flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza was attacked by Israel this week.

A plane carrying activists from the humanitarian mission, who were attacked and detained by Israel in international waters, landed at the Istanbul Airport.

The plane, which departed from Ramon Airport in Eilat, Israel, arrived at the airport at 3.50 pm local time (1250 GMT).

As many as 137 people from the flotilla, including 36 Turkish and 23 Malaysian citizens, arrived by the flight.

Bayraktar said the world had stood against Israel’s oppression, calling the flotilla a manifestation of global resistance.

“Hundreds of activists from dozens of countries set out on a completely peaceful and very blessed journey. Under very difficult conditions, they stayed focused on their goal without fear and without a moment of doubt,” Bayraktar said. “They demonstrated incredible courage, and we learned this courage from the people of Gaza. Palestinians have taught the world what true bravery is.”

Bayraktar said the activists undertook the mission to support Gazans, challenge Israel’s blockade, and bring hope to Gazans.

“Our prayer is that one day we will reunite in the same way with our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” she said.