“Watch CNN, Israel apologise to Turkey regarding the Mavi Marmara incident,” that’s what the text messages sounds like which I received it from a few friends and a VVIP who are still awake at that hour.
As a ‘story teller’ who witnessed the cruelty of the Zionist on the Mavi Marmara aid convoy three years ago, my first reaction was very simple.
“Huh! Israel.”
What’s the meaning of this apology by Israel three years after they attacked the Mavi Marmara ship in every way possible?
The answer is simple. There is no meaning to it. Nil.
As a journalist as well as a political science and international relations graduate, I see this apology made by the Tel Aviv regime should not only be addressed to Turkey but more importantly to all Palestinians.
On May 31, 2010, together with cameraman Samsul Kamal Latip and 10 Malaysian volunteers who were detained along with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla activists, we witnessed firsthand the misery and suffering felt by the Palestinians who have to endure this every day.
Living in constant fear and uncertainty, standing and walking seem difficult. You could feel the pain and gloom but you are still alive. I continue with the ‘Zikir’ at this hour though Palestine is far away from this peaceful Malaysia.
The residents there have been living in fear, tears and blood trying their best to survive the brutality of the Zionist. Israel is in debt to them.
This apology shows the position of Turkey. Many political analysts previously saw Turkey as a strong and brave Islamic country and is capable of helping Palestine to achieve their independence.
This argument is based on the position as well as Ankara’s foreign policy which has always been pragmatic including diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.
Israel’s apology on the other hand only addressed to the nine activists from Turkey that they killed during the attack of the aid convoy.
More importantly, the statement was actually made by the ‘brother’, which is the White House.
This gesture is seen as nothing more than constructing fairness or in other words, an act to show diplomacy which is actually filled with hidden agendas made by the United Stated and Israel in the Middle East region.
Let’s not forget the crisis that’s happening at Turkey’s neighbouring country, Syria which has been going on since early 2011.
The situation resulted in an international intervention, or to be exact, intervention of those with powers.
Even though Israel apologised to Turkey, their plan to expand their land and invading Palestines will not end.
One thing for sure, the red, black, white and green flag will not fade but instead it will continue to wave until the end of the world.
The spirit of Mavi Marmara is just a catalyst to the struggle to open the door to the Gaza’s border.
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Ashwad Ismail is a Astro Awani journalist who was on the Mavi Marmara ship during the attack made by the Israeli troops on May 31, 2010. He and cameraman Samsul Kamal Abdul Latip who were detained there along with 10 Malaysians activists were freed two days later.
