Ankara (TDI): As the ships sail east, three drones originating from Turkiye’s Corlu airbase were seen circling over the flotilla which is heading towards Gaza to break Israel’s naval seige and deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Though an official word from Turkiye has not been out yet but the country has joined Italy and Spain in protecting the cruise; both of which have deployed naval ships to accompany the flotilla.
On Monday, the flotilla reached the waters where previous flotillas were stopped; in other words the danger zone. Monday statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla said that it will take another four days for the ships to reach Gaza.
Last week, a drone attack was reported which damaged some boats, and the flotilla had to stop in Greek waters for repair. Greek coastguard extended security and assistance in repair.
Concerns and fears run high, especially among the countries whose citizens are aboard these ship. Though voluntary and purely humanitarian, a concern for the safety of passengers is being equally shared among dozens of countries.
Read More: Italy, Spain Deploy Warships to Escort Gaza Aid Flotilla
Earlier on Monday, a boat named Johnny M was struck by a malfunction and asked for help. Turkish Red Cross and the Turkish government stepped up to rescue the passengers of the boat and safety evacuated them.
Four of the passengers have opted to go back to home countries via Turkiye, while the Global Sumud Flotilla thanked Turkish Red Cross and the Turkish government for timely and quick assistance.
In the earlier days when the flotilla set sail, two drone attacks were reported on the Tunisian port. Fortunately, all passengers have remained safe.
With Italian and Spaniard naval ships accompanying the flotilla and Turkish drones overlooking it, the morale of the activists making the voyage has strengthened.
But both Italy and Spain made it clear that the naval ships are there only for rescue and humanitarian purposes, and set aside the possibility of any military combat.
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