Thousands of people from different provinces and districts gathered in Kürecik Neighborhood in Malatya, Türkiye, on Sunday to protest against the NATO Radar Base and express their solidarity with Gaza.

The rally was organized by the Malatya Jerusalem Brotherhood Platform, a coalition of various civil society organizations and political parties. The participants chanted slogans such as “Down with Israel, down with NATO” and “Gaza is not alone”.

Vedat Turgut, a dynamic member of HÜDA PAR General Administrative Board, took center stage, delivering an impassioned speech that resonated with the collective sentiment of the assembled crowd.

Stating that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was established to protect Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, Turgut said that the member states did not take the necessary steps and that important decisions that could have been taken were blocked by countries such as Saudi, Bahrain and the UAE.

Highlighting the impactful lessons being taught by the people and resistance groups in Gaza to the global community, Turgut expressed: "In London, Paris, Germany, France, Italy, and even Tel Aviv, people are taking to the streets to condemn the atrocities committed by the Zionists. However, the Ummah, consisting of 2 billion people—200 times the number and landmass of the Zionists—is notably silent."

Drawing attention to the sacrifices made by Muslims from Palestine, Jerusalem, and Gaza during the War of Independence, similar to those made by Kurds and Turks, Turgut went on to say: "We failed them on that day, abandoning them when the British seized their land. Directing our message to President Erdogan, we present an opportunity: To undertake the noble mission of Saladin Ayyubi, to follow in the footsteps of Abdulhamid Khan II, who expelled Zionist Jews, declaring, 'I will not sell the Palestinian lands bought with our forefathers' blood.' Even if Mr. Erdogan doesn't take on this task, anyone willing to champion this cause and unite the ummah, marching to Jerusalem under the banner of 'La ilahe illallah Muhammed-un Rasulullah,' be it Kurds, Turks, Arabs, or anyone from the Islamic geography, we stand ready to go and liberate Jerusalem, just as our grandfather Saladin-i Ayyubi did, willingly sacrificing our lives for the cause."

"Let us not hear any more about Western civilization," Turgut asserted. "To academics and educators, we say, refrain from discussing Western civilization, human rights, children's rights, animal rights, and similar concepts propagated by the British, French, and others. Their true colors were exposed in Gaza. Whether it's Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, or Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations and NATO, their creations, unite their forces and intervene, causing millions of deaths and leaving nothing but civil war, bloodshed, and tears. The mujahideen in Gaza demonstrated this truth: A handful of Muslims, like Saul and Goliath, became a global example. HAMAS stands as the legitimate government of Palestine."

Addressing the Islamic Ummah, Turgut urged: "Pour into the streets for Gaza. Children should be educated about Gaza, Jerusalem, and HAMAS. HAMAS must not vanish. This ceasefire must persist. Muslims in the Islamic geography should declare, 'You've fulfilled your duty; now it's our turn to act.' Old grandfathers wrap their grandchildren in shrouds, telling Rasulullah to complain to us. For Allah's sake, O Islamic Ummah, take to the streets for Gaza. Those with means, take up arms. People of Jordan, Lebanon, Beirut, rush to the borders! What are you waiting for? There are borders between us; if not, buses would line up in Batman, Diyarbakir, Malatya, Kayseri, Istanbul, Adana, and millions of Muslims would head to Gaza and Palestine."

"Immediate closure of Kürecik, along with Incirlik, is imperative," Turgut asserted. "The October 7 operation signifies a liberation movement against a 75-year policy of occupation, massacre, genocide, and expansion."

Highlighting the historical context, Turgut emphasized: "This uprising, led by HAMAS, is not a spontaneous occurrence. It serves as the primary manifestation of Palestinians' accumulated anger and their aspiration for liberation from occupation."

Proposing concrete actions, Turgut called for the establishment of an aid corridor or a naval flotilla led by Turkey, involving not only Islamic nations but any country sensitive and conscientious. He stressed the need for the immediate closure of Kürecik and Incirlik, pointing out their roles as NATO bases with a history dating back 80-100 years. Turgut argued that since 2012, Kürecik has served to inform the US and Israel, particularly aiding NATO in preventing potential threats from Iran and Russia to ensure Israel's security.

Turgut's call extended to shutting down airports and sea ports to Zionist ships and planes, preventing any commercial or military goods from entering or leaving. He urged Turkey to sever all relations with Zionists until the occupation concludes, terminate existing agreements, and ultimately abandon the recognition of israel as a state.

Additionally, Turgut advocated for preventing Zionist citizens of Turkey from participating in the occupied Palestinian territories, suggesting legal consequences such as trials for crimes against humanity, property confiscation, and revocation of citizenship for those who engage in genocide.

Turgut presented a comprehensive set of actions to address the geopolitical situation, emphasizing the immediate closure of Kürecik and Incirlik, as well as a shift in Türkiye's diplomatic stance towards israel.

Turgut also called on the people of Turkey, adding: "The squares must not be left empty. The boycott of the goods of Zionists and their supporters should continue indefinitely. All our shopkeepers should neither buy nor sell the goods of companies that support Zionism from now on. Material support for the Palestinian resistance must continue uninterruptedly."

Turgut urged the residents of neighboring countries to Palestine, emphasizing: "As long as this atrocity persists, people in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria, particularly those in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria, should gather at the border, remain vigilant, and explore all possible avenues to provide aid and support."

Directing a message to the Zionist regime, Turgut stated: "The lands you have seized in Palestine rightfully belong to the Palestinians. Return to your countries of origin because Palestine will never be your homeland. Your safety will never be guaranteed there. I bring you the news that the Muslims of Gaza are reclaiming their land. Those who believed they could evacuate and level Gaza are now crowding at airports to escape."

In a final plea to all compassionate nations, particularly Turkey, for the restoration of health services in Gaza, Turgut said: "The cries of children, women, the elderly, and defenseless individuals in Gaza must not go unheard. Immediate, solution-oriented efforts should be initiated. Zionists must promptly withdraw from the occupied hospitals. Provide essential resources such as electricity, water, medicine, and medical equipment to reinstate the functionality of Gaza's hospitals. Rebuild the construction and medical infrastructure of the devastated hospitals. Ensure that children and vulnerable individuals have access to medicine, food, and medical professionals, and supply hospitals with the necessary fuel."

The rally, featuring performances of Palestinian melodies and anthems, resonated with frequent chants supporting the resistance. The event concluded with a prayer dedicated to Gaza. (ILKHA)