Civil society organizations in Batman held an absentee funeral prayer on Friday to honor al-Qassam Brigades Spokesman Abu Obeida and the Palestinians martyred during Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza.

The gathering, held after Friday prayers, underscored solidarity with the Palestinian people and drew attention to the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave.

Organized by local civil society groups, the program took place at Hüsnü Genç Mosque in the Gültepe neighborhood, where worshippers performed the absentee funeral prayer and offered supplications for Gaza’s martyrs. Participants emphasized unity with Palestine and condemned the violence inflicted on civilians and vital infrastructure.

The event followed a global call by the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas urging Muslims worldwide to perform absentee funeral prayers for commanders of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades who were martyred in Israeli attacks on Gaza. In response, similar prayers were held in many locations across Türkiye and beyond.

After the prayer, Şehmuz Önlü, Term Spokesperson of the Batman Platform for Freedom of Thought and Belief, spoke to ILKHA, reaffirming that the Palestinian cause remains alive despite immense sacrifices.

“Today, we raised our voices once again against the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza by honoring martyr Abu Obeida and all the martyrs of Gaza,” Önlü said. “This struggle does not end with Abu Ubaida, nor does it end with the martyrs. The cause of Gaza, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa Mosque will endure, and there will always be people ready to defend it. As long as Al-Aqsa remains under threat, we will continue to stand in the public squares.”

Önlü prayed for the acceptance of the martyrs’ sacrifices and called for the liberation of Palestinians living under siege, occupation, and bombardment. He also issued a strong appeal to the Islamic Ummah, urging concrete action in support of Gaza.

“The most powerful call to the Islamic Ummah was made by Abu Obeida himself,” Önlü said, referencing his final remarks. “From here, we renew that call. Abu Obeida will not fade, and neither will the resistance. What must change is the silence and inaction. The Islamic Ummah must fulfill its responsibility and provide immediate and sustained support to Gaza.”

The gathering concluded with prayers for Palestine, renewed vows of solidarity, and calls for unity and sustained resistance against oppression, as participants pledged to keep the Palestinian cause at the forefront until justice and freedom are achieved. (ILKHA)