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Turkish Red Crescent teams delivered food and medical supplies to vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing toward Gaza on Monday, as the aid convoy continues its journey through the Mediterranean Sea.
The delivery took place in waters between Crete, Cyprus and Egypt, where the flotilla is currently navigating. Turkish Red Crescent personnel reached the vessels to hand over the humanitarian assistance, with the operation captured in aerial footage.
The aid delivery comes after Türkiye coordinated an emergency evacuation when one of the flotilla's vessels ran into trouble at sea. The boat "Johnny M" took on water and issued a distress call, prompting Turkish authorities to organize the rescue of passengers in the early morning hours.
Turkish Red Crescent and other officials mobilized to coordinate the evacuation of passengers from Luxembourg, France, Finland, Mexico and Malaysia who were aboard the distressed vessel.
In a statement on Instagram, the Global Sumud Flotilla credited the Turkish government's swift coordination and Turkish Red Crescent's field contributions for the smooth execution of the evacuation operation.
The flotilla, consisting of dozens of ships, has been sailing toward Gaza for several days carrying medical supplies and other humanitarian aid. It represents the largest organized fleet to date attempting to reach the Palestinian territory.
The flotilla takes its name from the Arabic word "sumud," meaning steadfastness or unwavering determination. The concept emerged among Palestinians after the 1967 Six-Day War, evolving into a term that describes resistance and perseverance.
Sumud represents Palestinians' commitment to remaining on their land, preserving Palestinian identity and culture, and building alternative institutions through nonviolent civil disobedience. In Palestinian imagery, the olive tree and a pregnant peasant woman symbolize this concept of steadfast endurance.
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