Bülent Yildirim, head of the Turkish Islamist organization IHH, behind the microphones at a reception for the Viva Palestina aid in Istanbul. Next to him (black suit) is George Galloway, declared persona non grata in Egypt. Fourth from left is convoy spokesman and British-based Hamas activist Zaher Birawi. Third from left (light suit) is British-based Hamas activist Muhammad Sawalha (www.ihh.org.tr/ website, October 4 2010)

Convoy vehicles enter Syria (Viva Palestina website, October 5, 2010).

The Irish-Palestinian connection, Irish flags and Palestinian flags. "The attending activists staged a lively scene with Palestinian flags and Viva Palestina t-shirts," according to the IHH website.

"Belfast to Gaza." An extensive anti-Israel Propaganda effort by the IHH and Viva Palestina. More than 100 activists from 25 countries are counting down days to enter Gaza.

Bülent Yildirim, head of the Islamist IHH organization speaks at the meeting. He said that "he was expecting Egypt to allow the convoy to cross into Gaza through its territory. Yıldırım recalled a United Nations report found Israel totally guilty of the attack on the Mavi Marmara and added “Israel is looking for accomplices in its crimes. Egypt should let the convoy enter its territory and refrain from taking a position similar to the Israel’s.” Palestine is not only Gaza, but it includes the West Bank as well, Yıldırım said and added that they would prepare new convoy to head for the West Bank through Jordan. “Muslims, Christians, and Jews from different parts of the world will be visiting al-Quds. They will not leave the city to Israel,” he said. (IHH website)

George Galloway (black suit) standing next to Bülent Yildirim. Egypt announced it would not let George Galloway, British MP who it deported after the 2009 convoy movement, enter the country. Despite the possibility of a rejection from Egypt, the convoy is determined to enter Egypt with Galloway. (IHH website)

George Galloway, organizer of the convoy and head of Viva Palestina said “I would like to call on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: We are a peaceful and humanitarian convoy. We do not have any problem with Egypt. We changed our route as you required and complied with all the other formalities. I hope you will not stop us.” He thanked the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and stressed the Mavi Marmara incident made history, adding “We will continue to cooperate with the IHH.” (IHH website)

George Galloway said they would visit graves of the Mavi Marmara victims in the cities they would be driving through and visit the boat at İskenderun Port. We will stop at the point in the Mediterranean where the Mavi Marmara came under a bloody raid and throw flowers into the sea here, he added.

Galloway speaking with the Irish flag waving behind him. Also at the meeting was Muhammad Sawalha, head of the European Committee against the Embargo. He said “What we request from Egypt is that it allows all activists, including George Galloway.” Such international campaigns will continue until the embargo is lifted, he added. Other convoy members expressed hope in their speeches that Egypt would not stop them. (IHH website)

Following the press conference the activists went to visit graves of Mavi Marmara activists Cevdet Kılıçlar and Necdet Yıldırım at the Edirnekapı graveyard and recited prayers here. (IHH website)