In a powerful gathering marked by grief, fury, and unwavering solidarity, representatives of civil society in Şanlıurfa condemned the Israeli regime’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and the deafening silence of the Islamic world.

Local NGOs, alongside youth movements and community leaders, called for immediate and uncompromising action against Israeli regime’s decades-long campaign of ethnic cleansing, apartheid, and mass murder.

The event, titled “We Are on Watch for Gaza,” brought hundreds together in Şanlıurfa — the ancient city known as the “Land of Prophets” — as participants raised their voices against the “modern-day holocaust unfolding in Gaza.” The demonstrators criticized not only Israel but also Arab and Islamic governments for their passivity, inaction, and in many cases, continued collaboration with the Israeli regime.

‘The Islamic World Has Failed Gaza — But We, the People, Will Not’

Speakers passionately denounced the failure of Islamic states to rise in defense of their brothers and sisters in Palestine. “There are 57 Muslim nations — and yet not one has had the courage to confront this barbarism with full force,” said İbrahim Güven, Şanlıurfa representative of the Prophet's Lovers Foundation. “Instead of defending the oppressed, they host Israeli delegations, shake hands soaked in blood, and send fuel and materials to build the bombs that destroy Gaza.”

Güven pointed to Türkiye’s own exports of fuel and goods to Israel, urging a complete and immediate end to all trade. “Every drop of crude oil that leaves this land and enters Israel is a drop of blood spilled on a child’s head in Gaza. Cut the fuel. Sever the ties. Starve the war machine.”

‘Gaza Is the Heart of the Ummah — And It’s Being Crushed’

Ömer Çapan, representative of Mil Diyanet-Sen, echoed the call for decisive action, warning that the very soul of the Muslim world is at stake. “Gaza is not just a city under siege — it is the heart of the ummah, and it is being crushed while the Muslim world looks on in disgraceful silence.”

He condemned not only the Israeli regime, but also the global powers and institutions that continue to enable its crimes with weapons, funding, and diplomatic cover. “The dismembered bodies of children, the mass graves, the shattered homes — they are all evidence of genocide. And yet the world refuses to say the word.”

“We feel this pain in our bones. And we know: if Gaza falls, the rest of us will follow,” Çapan said.

‘Even Non-Muslims Are Protesting — Where Are the Muslim Leaders?’

Hasan Doğan, president of the Şanlıurfa Celiac Association, underscored the moral urgency of global solidarity. “Even non-Muslims around the world are boycotting Israeli products, taking to the streets, blocking weapons shipments. But our own rulers remain silent. What excuse do they have?”

Doğan called on all individuals, regardless of religion or nationality, to recognize the inhumanity of the Israeli assault and to reject complicity. “You don’t have to be a Muslim to stand against this. You just have to be human.”

He also praised the power of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, describing it as one of the most effective tools in the hands of the people. “We must break all economic and cultural ties with this regime. Their power depends on our silence. Withdraw it, and they will fall.”

‘If Only We Could Destroy Zionism Entirely’

Behçet Atilla, President of the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation’s Şanlıurfa Branch, said their events may seem small but bring hope to the people of Gaza, who are enduring relentless bombing and starvation. “They ask only one thing of us — stand with them. When we send them pictures of our events, they reply with tears of joy.”

He didn’t hide his deep resentment toward the Zionist regime. “If we had the power, we would stop this war today. If we had the strength, we would destroy Zionism entirely. And one day, by the will of Allah and through the unity of the ummah, that day will come.”

‘Leaders Must Choose: Throne or Truth’

Faik Doğan, 2nd Regional Coordinator of the Hope Caravan Humanitarian Aid Association, delivered one of the most direct messages to Muslim leaders across the globe. “It’s time to choose: the throne or the truth. You fear for your seats while the children of Gaza are being slaughtered.”

He urged governments to abandon their alliance with material power and submit to moral authority instead. “Fear Allah, not Washington. Listen to your people, not the United Nations. Your silence today will echo as shame tomorrow.”

A Call to the Streets — and the Heart

The event concluded with a collective call for mass mobilization across the Islamic world. “We do not need permission to be human,” one organizer said. “The squares, the streets, the mosques, the homes — let them all echo with the cry of Gaza.”

As the people of Şanlıurfa lit candles, held prayers, and raised Palestinian flags high into the night sky, their message was unshakably clear:

“Gaza is not alone. Palestine is not alone. And this ummah will never forget who stood for justice — and who stood by as genocide unfolded.” (ILKHA)