A powerful wave of solidarity surged through the streets of Adana on Sunday as thousands gathered for the "Great Gaza March and Rally," an event organized to protest the brutal Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and to amplify the voices calling for an immediate end to the genocide.

The event began in Inönü Park, where citizens from all walks of life convened under the banner of resistance. With cries of "Takbir! Allahu Akbar!" and the rhythmic beat of drums echoing through the city, the demonstrators marched towards Beşocak Square, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as "Free Palestine!" and "Down with the Zionist regime!"

The march was spearheaded by a broad coalition of NGOs, religious organizations, student groups, and civil society movements, including the Prophet's Lovers Foundation, IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, Özgür-Der, Hope Caravan, the Uhuvvet Movement, and the Adana Civil Initiative Assembly (ASIM). These organizations have long been vocal in their opposition to Israel's apartheid policies and ethnic cleansing campaign in Palestine.

Once the march reached Beşocak Square, the crowd gathered for a rally that began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by qari Faruk Güzel, setting a somber and reverent tone. This was followed by a speech from Mahmut Eraslan, President of ASIM, who delivered a scathing indictment of Israeli crimes in Gaza.

"For more than a year and a half, the Zionist terrorist state has bombarded Gaza without mercy, targeting civilians, women, children, the elderly, the disabled — all without distinction. This is not just war. This is genocide," said Eraslan. He criticized both Western and Arab governments for their silence and complicity, particularly the United States, which he accused of actively fueling the carnage through continuous arms shipments to Israel.

Eraslan called for a range of immediate actions: the closure of the Israeli consulate in Adana, the suspension of all Turkish-Israeli trade and military ties, the halting of oil transfers via BOTAŞ in Ceyhan, and the prosecution of Turkish-Israeli dual citizens who participate in Zionist military operations. He also urged a full boycott of Zionist-affiliated companies and products, particularly those sold in public institutions, and called for urgent delivery of humanitarian aid stuck at the Rafah crossing.

"Enough statements. Now is the time for action. Muslim nations must arm Gaza just as the United States arms Israel. We must confront this injustice not only with our prayers but with our strength," he declared.

One of the most emotional moments of the rally came when a young girl recited a heartfelt poem dedicated to Gaza's martyrs, moving many in the crowd to tears. She was followed by Muharrem Güneş, a survivor of the 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre, who reminded the crowd that the path to justice requires sacrifice.

"Actual prayer is action," Güneş stated. "Allah commanded us to stand firm. When we act in His path, our efforts strike the hearts of the oppressors. This is a divine struggle, and it is our individual responsibility."

Theologian and writer Mehmet Göktaş delivered a rousing speech that linked the Palestinian struggle to the broader fate of the Islamic Ummah. "Your worth in the sight of Allah is equal to the place Gaza holds in your heart," he said. Göktaş warned against the treachery of some Arab regimes, particularly the monarchs of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, who he said have become greater enemies of Gaza than even Netanyahu.

"The kings of Arabia fear Gaza's victory more than Israel does. They know a free Palestine means the fall of their tyrannies. Whoever stands with Gaza today will lead the Ummah tomorrow."

Göktaş concluded by praising the resilience of Gaza's people, highlighting that despite the unimaginable suffering, their resistance has inspired a global Islamic awakening. "More than 50,000 martyrs, over 100,000 wounded — and yet Gaza stands. Europe has never witnessed this many conversions to Islam. Gaza has become the beacon of resistance and the heart of our Ummah."

As the rally ended, the crowd erupted into chants of solidarity: "Gaza, we are with you!" and "Kahrolsun Israil!" (Down with Israel!). Many pledged to continue boycotting Zionist products and pressuring Turkish authorities to take a firmer stance.

Organizers have vowed to continue these marches and expand them across other Turkish cities. "Until Palestine is free and every Zionist oppressor is held accountable, we will not stop," said one of the coordinators.

With Gaza bleeding under relentless Israeli bombs, the streets of Adana became a loud, defiant cry — echoing the determination of a people who refuse to be silent in the face of genocide. (ILKHA)