Freedom Flotilla Vessels Set to Leave for Gaza on April 24

By Muhammad Hafizuddin Mohd Yusof

ISTANBUL, April 20 (Bernama) -- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has confirmed that the three vessels involved in the “Break the Siege: Freedom Flotilla Mission to Gaza 2024” are expected to sail on Wednesday (April 24).

The matter was confirmed by FFC spokeswoman Ann Wright at a briefing for participants in Istanbul on Friday evening (April 19).

“We have received many feedback … for those of you who had an opportunity to board the ships at today's press conference, many things need to be completed before the voyage begins.

"Although we have a workforce of 35 people who work 24 hours a day to prepare the ships, they still cannot start sailing on the previously scheduled date (April 21)," she said.

In addition, Wright said the FFC had sent their people to meet with the representatives of the Turkish government in Ankara to ensure the smooth release of the ships.

Earlier, the media have reported that the three ships involved in the mission consist of a cargo ship of 5,000 tonnes and two passenger vessels that can accommodate 1,000 people.

These ships will carry urgent humanitarian aid such as medical aid, food packs, clothing, shelter tents and several vehicles, including eight ambulances.

Wright said the mission will continue even if the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates in the coming days.

She added that whatever happens between these two countries will not affect the FFC's plan to deliver aid to Gaza. Twenty Malaysians are involved in the mission.

At a recent press conference, Humanitarian Care Malaysia Bhd chairman Dr Kamal Nasaruddin Mustapha said the Malaysians consisted of doctors, humanitarian activists and media practitioners.

Among the Malaysian media practitioners who are involved in the flotilla are broadcast journalist from the Malaysian National News Organisation (Bernama) Muhammad Hafizuddin Mohd Yusof and Bernama TV cameraman Mohammad Nulhakim Jailan.

Activists from 30 countries, including Malaysia, have gathered in Istanbul since April 18 to prepare for the mission.

-- BERNAMA