A large protest was held in Türkiye’s eastern city of Ağrı on Friday, where citizens gathered to denounce the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The event, coordinated by the Prophet’s Lovers Association, took place in front of the Central Mosque and drew a significant turnout.  Protesters chanted slogans such as “Down with Israel” and “Salute to Hamas, Continue Resistance,” voicing strong opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and solidarity with Palestinian resistance groups. 

Burhan Aslan, speaking on behalf of the Prophet’s Lovers Association, delivered a statement sharply criticizing the international community’s inaction. “The countries of the world continue to maintain their silence against the genocide of the Zionist occupation regime,” Aslan declared. 

He accused global powers of enabling Israel's actions through passivity, adding, “The more the world is silent, the more barbaric the Zionists attack. No will has emerged to stop the Zionists who commit crimes against humanity.” 

Aslan called for states to impose concrete penalties on Israel for its actions, labeling the regime a “greatest disaster and threat to humanity.” He urged the international community to act swiftly, stating: “No crime should go unpunished. The international community is responsible for taking steps to ease the conscience of Gaza and the peoples of the world.” 

Highlighting the broader implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Aslan asserted that Israel’s policies threaten not only Palestine but also the entire Middle East. “The Zionist regime, which attacks Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen, also sets its eyes on Anatolian lands,” he warned, adding that Israel’s existence endangers peace in the region. 

Aslan stressed that the liberation of Gaza, Jerusalem, and all Palestinian territories is essential for restoring peace and stability to the region. 

The statement also addressed Türkiye’s internal policies, with Aslan advocating for the urgent enactment of legislation to revoke dual citizenship for Turkish citizens allegedly involved in actions supporting Israeli policies in Gaza. 

Aslan called on Islamic countries to form regional alliances to counter Israel’s “expansionist and occupying policies” and to provide military, logistical, and technological aid to Palestinian resistance groups. 

Furthermore, he expressed support for Hamas as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that its terms for a ceasefire in Gaza should be internationally recognized. 

The protest in Ağrı reflects growing anger in parts of Türkiye over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aslan concluded by urging leaders of Islamic nations and conscientious individuals worldwide to unite against the ongoing violence. “The international community and states must stop the massacres of the Zionist regime by using all means of pressure,” he stated, calling for a united front to bring an end to the suffering in Palestine. 

The protest underlines the intense emotions surrounding the conflict in Gaza, as voices from Türkiye and beyond continue to demand accountability and action from global powers. (ILKHA)