Return of Global Sumud activists a victory for ‘humanity’s conscience’

The safe return of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla marks a significant victory for the collective conscience of humanity, Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said late Thursday.

A milestone against oppression

In a statement posted on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Duran said the activists had set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and described their return to Türkiye as a major development. He condemned the “piracy committed in international waters” and the treatment faced by the activists, calling it “another shameful episode added to the dark record of the Israeli government, which continues to trample on humanitarian values.” Duran emphasized that despite the incident, the efforts of activists from multiple countries to draw global attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis proved that “conscience, solidarity, and human dignity still endure.”

Türkiye’s decisive role

Duran credited the efforts carried out “under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan” and the “strong resolve demonstrated by all institutions of our state” for playing a decisive role in ensuring the safe return of Turkish citizens. He extended his well-wishes to all injured volunteers and saluted “everyone who stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people and upheld a principled stance against oppression.” Türkiye continues to lead international efforts to break the Gaza blockade and support humanitarian missions to the besieged enclave.