Mediterranean Sea: Antalya residents lined the streets on Thursday to waive goodbye to the convoy of buses that took volunteers on the Freedom Flotilla to Antalya port, holding Palestinian and Turkish flags.
Some in the path of the convoy had hung Palestinian and Turkish flags in their balconies, while others danced in the street as the convoy passed.
More than 500 people were being transported to board the Mavi Marmara, the largest and last ship to set sail as part of the nine-vessel Freedom Flotilla that aims to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza by delivering much needed aid.
Participants in the buses sang songs and shouted pro-Palestinian slogans on the way to the port, and had a short demonstration of support for Palestine before boarding the ship, carrying dozens of Palestinian flags.
The ship set sail just after midnight and was expected to arrive at its meeting with the other ships in the Mediterranean Sea in international waters off Cyprus Friday evening.
The flotilla is then set to sail together to Gaza, with the exception of the Irish ship the Rachel Corrie, which is expected to be slightly delayed due to technical issues.
Many of the participants chose to sleep outdoors on the deck of the ship, reserving a corner or bench where they laid their mats and sleeping bags to sleep or rest in.
Members of parliament and prominent personalities could be seen lying on benches while TV crews filed live broadcasts to their channels.
The organisers of the Mavi Marmara have set up a media room for journalists with continuous internet access but strict security rules. Other passengers get a few hours of wifi access every day.
The Israeli navy is expected to block the ships communication signals before attempting to take control of it. Organisers are believed to have planned for alternatives but have not discussed them.
An information booth has also been set up with officials who speak Arabic, English and Turkish that regularly makes health, safety and hygiene related announcements.
Organisers have said they have two months’ supply of food, as they have vowed not to budge if Israel bars them entry into Gaza.
