International Freedom Flotilla Coalition in Istanbul protests Gine-Bissau's withdrawal of flag from aid ships

By Erol Degirmenci

ISTANBUL (AA) - The International Freedom Flotilla Coalition protested Guinea-Bissau on Saturday in Istanbul for withdrawing its flag from ships that would deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

At a protest in Sultanahmet Square, a group chanting slogans against Israel displayed banners that read: "Stop the Fire on Civilians" and "Free Palestine."

Protesters also referenced a ban on the Palestinian flag in 1967, symbolically marching with watermelon slices -- an icon at that time.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Marry Ann Wright said the flag of Guinea-Bissau, the flag country of two of the Freedom Flotilla's four ships, had been withdrawn from the ships.

Highlighting that one of the flagged ships was loaded with more than 5,000 tons of aid, Wright alleged that Guinea-Bissau's decision assisted Israel in its illegal blockade and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Despite the potential repercussions, Wright emphasized their determination to reach the people of Gaza, asserting that Israel's refusal to provide the aid necessary for Palestinians to survive demonstrated how far it would go.