Thousands of people gathered at Istanbul’s historic Fatih Mosque on Friday to perform a funeral prayer in absentia for Hamas' top military commander, Muhammad Deif, and other senior leaders, whose martyrdom was confirmed by Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida on Thursday.

The event, organized by the Anatolian Youth Association (AGD) and the National Youth Foundation (MGV), drew a significant turnout of Turkish citizens, activists, and religious leaders who expressed unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. The gathering followed a call from Hamas to hold prayers in honor of their fallen commanders, reflecting widespread solidarity with the Palestinian resistance among certain segments of Turkish society.

The funeral prayer was led by Erol Demiryürek, who stood before a large congregation in the courtyard of Fatih Mosque. Attendees, including representatives from Islamic organizations and civil society groups, mourned the loss of Deif and other Hamas military leaders who were killed amid Israeli airstrikes.

Following the prayer, Umut Şahin, the President of the AGD Universities Commission, addressed the crowd on behalf of the organizing associations. In a powerful and impassioned speech, he reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian resistance, describing the struggle against Israel as a just and sacred cause.

"Today, once again, we have gathered to declare that we stand firmly with the glorious Palestinian resistance against the occupying Zionist Israel and its collaborators," Şahin said. "We are here to commemorate the saintly martyrs of a growing struggle and to celebrate their martyrdom as they ascend to paradise."

He emphasized that resistance leaders like Deif had made the ultimate sacrifice and that their deaths would not weaken the resolve of the Palestinian fighters. "Their martyrdom will only strengthen the cause. The Palestinian people are not alone, and their resistance is not isolated," he added.

During his speech, Şahin referenced the October 7 attack, which Hamas termed Operation Aqsa Flood, describing it as a pivotal moment in the struggle against Israeli occupation. He claimed that the operation had proven Israel’s vulnerability, shattering long-standing assumptions about its military dominance.

"The Zionist entity, which has systematically occupied both Palestinian and Islamic lands for nearly a century, has engaged in brutal massacres against men, women, children, and the elderly," Şahin said. "But on October 7, their illusion of invincibility was destroyed with the success of Operation Aqsa Flood."

He argued that the attack demonstrated Hamas’ military capabilities and forced Israel to recognize the strength of the resistance. He also pointed to the recent prisoner exchange agreement, saying that it was a testament to the power Hamas wields in negotiations.

"With the Aqsa Flood operation, all the sinister ambitions of the Zionist entity in Gaza have been dismantled. The so-called 'invincible' military of Israel has been exposed. And despite their attempts to annihilate Hamas, they have suffered their worst defeat in history," Şahin declared.

He further claimed that Israel’s airstrikes and military operations in Gaza aimed at eradicating Hamas had failed, as new leaders and fighters would emerge to continue the struggle.

"Let us not forget that Operation Aqsa Flood is just the first step in this precious resistance. Tomorrow, an even more powerful deluge will break out, one that will shake all existing balances once again," he asserted.

Şahin urged the Muslim world to remain steadfast in its support for Palestine, emphasizing that resistance must continue despite the hardships. He lamented that while innocent Palestinians suffer under occupation, the world remains largely silent.

"While our Palestinian brothers and sisters are condemned to hunger, bombings, and destruction, the resistance has shown us how the prophetic struggle must be waged," he said.

He underscored the idea that martyrdom strengthens the resistance rather than weakens it, calling upon all Muslims to embrace the struggle.

"Our struggle is nourished by the blood of martyrs. Our resistance gains strength from their sacrifice. Just as the martyrdom of our commanders did not end this sacred fight, the loss of Muhammad Deif and his fellow heroes will not bring it to an end today," Şahin proclaimed.

He reiterated Hamas’ stance, echoing the words of Abu Obeida, who had declared that for every leader martyred, new commanders would rise, and for every resistance fighter lost, thousands more would take their place.

"These sacred lands will continue to raise heroes like olive trees—rooted in strength and standing firm in faith, with the permission of Allah," he stated.

Şahin concluded his speech by calling on the Islamic community to remain vigilant and committed to the struggle. He reminded the audience that Muslims must prioritize Allah’s will above all else and never waver in their opposition to oppression.

"The pleasure of Allah can only be achieved by waging jihad with all our being, by rejoicing at the victories of Muslims and grieving at their struggles," he said.

In his final remarks, he prayed for the success of Palestinian fighters and the ultimate triumph of the resistance movement.

"May Allah grant strength and power to our valiant brothers who are fighting against Zionist Israel. May their bullets find their targets, and may this precious resistance awaken the Islamic Ummah to its duty. From here, we honor our martyrs, especially our beloved commander Muhammad Deif, and declare once again that this sacred struggle is not alone."

The gathering at Fatih Mosque is part of a broader wave of solidarity demonstrations in Türkiye, where strong public sentiment against Israel’s military actions in Gaza continues to grow. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, condemning its genocidal aggression and calling for an end to the siege on Gaza.

Public events like this funeral prayer highlight the increasing support for Palestinian armed resistance among sections of Turkish society. In recent months, Türkiye has witnessed multiple protests, marches, and rallies demanding greater action from the international community against Israeli aggression.

The funeral prayer in absentia for Muhammad Deif and other fallen Hamas commanders served as both a moment of mourning and a powerful declaration of continued resistance. As the conflict in Gaza persists, the unwavering support shown by Turkish organizations and citizens reinforces the deep-rooted solidarity between Türkiye and Palestine.

With calls for further action and an unshaken commitment to resistance, the event at Fatih Mosque stands as yet another reminder of the enduring nature of the Palestinian struggle and the international voices rallying behind it. (ILKHA)