A Turkish citizen who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an aid mission bound for the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, condemned Israel for intercepting the flotilla after being released from detention.
Israel has blocked several international aid flotillas from reaching Gaza in recent months. Last week, the Alma ship of the Sumud Flotilla was illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces.
Turkish citizen and captain Onur Murat Kolgu was one of the activists on board. He was sent back to Türkiye after being detained by Israeli forces.
He shared the experience in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), stressing the mission was completely based on humanitarian purposes.
"The Sumud Flotilla was not launched as belonging to any nation or any religious element, but as a completely civilian initiative—an initiative of civilians from all nations who felt a sense of conscience and humanitarian responsibility. On our ship, there were people from 14 different nations. The purpose of the Sumud Flotilla is to break the illegal blockade on Gaza, to open a humanitarian corridor, and at the same time to pressure governments to stop this genocide. That is our goal," Kolgu said.
Kolgu recalled the attacks by Israeli drones, saying that he barely survived.
"When we arrived in Tunisia, while we were there, our flagship, the Famil ship, was attacked by a drone. An incendiary bomb was dropped from a drone. On the second day, our ship, the second flagship Alma, was also attacked by a drone. We told them over the radio that we were not going to Israel, but to Palestine. Despite that, first they came with drones and conducted surveillance. Later, assault boats came and seized the ship," he said.
Kolgu said regardless of the interception, the mission was still successful in drawing more global attention to the humanitarian issue in Gaza.
"We must constantly keep Gaza on the agenda. This is a humanitarian issue. It is not a religious or national issue. In fact, in a way, we became a means for people to awaken, for the awakened to become more awake. In this sense, I think this mission has been fully successful," he said.
Turkish crew member on Gaza-bound flotilla condemns illegal interception, detention
After the devastating fire at the housing complex Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government, Hong Kong authorities, and people from across China have joined forces in a massive outpouring of relief and support.
The blaze, the deadliest Hong Kong had witnessed for decades, broke out at around 14:50 on Nov 26 at the eight-towered residential estate Wang Fuk Court, which was under renovation, in Tai Po district. The fire quickly engulfed seven of the towers, leaving at least 159 dead, 79 injured and thousands of families homeless.
According to the latest official update, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the HKSAR government, has received 3 billion Hong Kong dollars in external donations. Together with the HKSAR government's start-up capital of 300 million Hong Kong dollars, the fund stands at around 3.3 billion Hong Kong dollars in total. It will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term support.
Following the fire, the HKSAR government has made comprehensive, multi-tiered rescue and resettlement efforts.
On the night of the blaze, the government promptly established temporary shelters at multiple locations across Tai Po district, coordinating accommodations in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing for affected residents. Emergency subsidies and living allowances were distributed to those impacted, while support was also provided through a "one household, one social worker" mechanism.
People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community, with donated supplies such as clothing, food, drinking water continuously arriving at temporary shelters.
Many taxi drivers have also volunteered to provide free rides.
"We work here from 08:00 in the morning to past 22:00 at night. We only leave when there are no passengers. That's how it is. It does affect earnings a bit. It definitely has an impact. But that's not important. The most important thing is to help others first," said Wong Chi-chuen, a taxi driver .
At the request of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has coordinated the Ministry of Emergency Management to provide batches of supplies for the Tai Po fire relief effort, including portable outdoor charging stations, heavy-duty conveyors, blowers, respirators, goggles, protective suits, headlamps, and waterproof boots.
Mainland companies and residents, and various sectors in Macao also provided support following the devastating fire in Hong Kong, donating funds and supplies for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.
"A large amount of supplies was collected and delivered to our disaster-stricken areas in a very short time. It made me realize what it means to be bound by blood. Because this kind of bond runs deep. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone," said Peter Lam, chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee.
Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong
