Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) students staged a protest in response to Israel’s attacks on the Global Freedom Flotilla.
Following Friday prayers, students gathered in front of the OMU Campus Mosque to denounce Israel’s assault on the flotilla, which was en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Carrying Palestinian flags and protest banners, the students marched toward the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center, chanting slogans condemning Israel.
Reading out a press statement on behalf of the group, Umut Albayrak declared that another shameful act had taken place before the eyes of humanity.
Albayrak stated that the Israeli occupation forces had carried out a brutal assault in international waters on the Sumud Flotilla, which had set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza:
“Civilian vessels were targeted, and volunteers delivering aid were attacked. This is not merely an act of aggression—it is a blatant violation of law, conscience, and human dignity. Israel’s record is well-known. This occupying regime, which has kept the Palestinian people under blockade for decades, destroyed their cities, targeted civilians, and killed children, has once again revealed its brutality today.”
Albayrak emphasized that they were standing not only for Palestine, but also for the honor of humanity:
“Once again, we raise our voice: Israel only understands strength. To remain silent in the face of oppression is to betray. Gaza and Sumud are not alone. The Islamic world will be held accountable for its betrayal. This nation has never bowed to oppressors and never will. The conscience of this nation is not for sale. We are here, raising our voices, standing tall in the face of tyranny.”
The march was attended by Samsun Member of Parliament Mehmet Karaman from the New Path Party (Yeni Yol Partisi) and OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, who stood in solidarity with the protesting students.
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