A rally was held in front of Grand Mosque in Diyarbakır’s central Sur district to denounce the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Organized by Islamic NGOs, the event highlighted the escalating human tragedy in Gaza, where the Israeli occupation regime's actions have been labeled as genocide by the protesters.

Hüsamettin Anıltekin, the Provincial Representative of Yedi Başak Humanitarian Aid Association, delivered a poignant press statement, emphasizing the brutal reality unfolding in Gaza.

"The human tragedy in Gaza has turned into a scene of savagery before our eyes," Anıltekin began, his voice resonating with grief and anger. "The occupation regime's occupation and attack policies for years have targeted not only a people but also the conscience of humanity."

He recounted the specific incident of Abu Dia's martyrdom, where he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his tent, an act that he described as targeting civilians and aid workers. "Today, we witnessed another painful manifestation of this persecution: Abu Dia, who we all know as Rim's grandfather, the Palestinian representative of the Yedi Başak Humanitarian Aid Association and one of the honourable defenders of the people of Gaza, was martyred by bombing his tent in Israel's barbaric attacks targeting civilians." Anıltekin's words painted a grim picture of the situation. "The martyrdom of this humble charity lover, who is Rim's grandfather, has added a new one to the Israeli attacks on aid organizations."

"The attack on Abu Dia is an attack on the spirit of solidarity and human dignity," Anıltekin declared, condemning the act as not just an assault on a single life but on the collective hope and resilience of the oppressed.

He drew parallels to the Islamic principle that killing one innocent person is akin to killing all of humanity, suggesting that Israel's actions reflect an intent to "kill all humanity." "We observe that barbaric Israel intends to kill all humanity in line with the verse, 'Whoever kills a life unjustly, it is as if he has killed all human beings. Whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all human beings,'" Anıltekin stated.

Anıltekin accused Israel of continuing its persecution unabated, targeting not only fighters but also women, children, and aid volunteers, thereby flouting international law, human rights, and the ethics of war. He criticized the international community for its inadequate response, noting that despite international agreements meant to protect civilians, the people of Gaza are left to suffer alone.

"Israel's systematic persecution and occupation policies should be stopped immediately, war crimes committed in Gaza should be tried in international courts," Anıltekin implored, calling on the global community. "Every individual who believes in human rights should take action against this persecution and defend the rights of the Palestinian people. If the United Nations and international institutions are sincere in defending human rights, they cannot remain silent on this atrocity. Silence means approving the oppression!"

The rally was not just a condemnation but also a memorial to Abu Dia, described as "the light of hope" for a people in dire need and "the common conscience of humanity." "Abu Dia was the light of hope of a helpless people and the common conscience of humanity," Anıltekin concluded, his words echoing the sentiment of loss and the call for justice. "The values he fought for will never be forgotten, and this cause of justice that he watered with his blood will be passed down from generation to generation. May the soul of our martyr be shad and his place be in heaven."

The event concluded with a collective prayer for Gaza, resonating with calls for justice, mercy, and solidarity. The rally in Diyarbakır stands as a testament to the shared pain and solidarity among Muslims and human rights advocates worldwide, further highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (ILKHA)