The Viva Palestina 5 ship carrying "peace activists," which docked at the al-Arish port recently, brought along not only humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, but also enthusiastic Turks who took advantage of the opportunity to visit local Islamic Jihad members.

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In pictures obtained by Ynet, the Turks are seen holding weapons and rocket launchers. While their prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to blast Israel and demand an apology for "state terrorism," two of the guests put on the uniform of the al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad's military wing.

The pictures from the Turkish delegation's visit were put on the al-Quds Brigades website as part of the coverage of their visit. The guests' face was blurred, but shortly afterwards the photos were removed from the site, most likely for fear that the Turks would be hurt.



Turkish activist holds weapon alongside Jihad gunmen

During their visit to Gaza, the Turkish delegation members visited several Islamic Jihad posts. One of the guests was quoted as telling the group's gunmen that they are "a source of pride for all decent people in the Arab and Muslim world." He defined them as "the forefront of the struggle against the Zionists."

The Turkish guests praised the Palestinian activists, saying, "I am proud to be here with you, who have sacrificed so much for the sake of the Muslim nation. All of the Turkish people, as well as the Arabs and all Muslims, pray for your victory, support you and strengthen you."





Turkish guests visit Jihad post in Strip

Meanwhile Monday, the Turkel Committee appointed to probe the deadly Navy raid on the Turkish-owned Marmara ship in late May, heard the testimonies of two Israeli Arabs who were onboard the vessel during the incident.

One of the them, Hamed Abu Dabous of Rahat was asked by the committee members about a televised speech in which one of the flotilla's leaders called for violent resistance and said that if Israel Defense Forces soldiers tried to take over the boat, "we'll thrown them into the sea."

Abu Dabous responded that he was not "a television fan", adding that he knew nothing of that speech. He claimed that he was a law abiding citizen and was unaware of the prohibition to enter the Strip.

"If what you wanted would have happened, you would have reached Gaza. So your intention was indeed to break the law," one of the committee members told him.