Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas spokesman, addressed a large Gaza support gathering held at the Kenan Kösen Mosque in Kızıltepe on Monday evening, urging continued solidarity with residents of the Gaza Strip and praising the endurance of Gazans during the two-year conflict.

Local organizers said several hundred people attended the event. Attendees waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans and religious phrases in support of Gaza as they listened to speeches from visiting and local figures. The program concluded with a prayer led by Fasih Memiş, president of the Mardin Prophet Lovers association.

During his address, Abu Zuhri said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had failed to eliminate Hamas and had ultimately been forced to enter negotiations. He praised what he described as the steadfastness of Gazans in the face of intense military operations, and said the Palestinian leadership and people had remained in Gaza despite heavy losses.

“Two years ago Netanyahu said he would retrieve his captives by force,” Abu Zuhri said, according to organizers. “Today it is Hamas handing over captives under the terms of the agreement. Netanyahu did not succeed in destroying Hamas.” He accused Western governments of aligning with Israel and reiterated calls for continued resistance and political pressure to achieve Palestinian objectives.

Abu Zuhri also called for international support for Gaza’s recovery, asking Turkish citizens and institutions to increase humanitarian assistance and aid for reconstruction. He said Gaza needed time and resources to “rest and heal its wounds,” and urged supporters outside Gaza to sustain political and material backing.

The program drew local political figures and civil society representatives, including HÜDA PAR Mardin Provincial Chairman İsmail Çevik and District Chairman Abdullah Kavan, along with other community leaders. Organizers described the gathering as a show of solidarity and a call for increased humanitarian and political support for Palestinians.

The event took place amid renewed international attention on Gaza following the recent ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. Observers say such gatherings, common in many cities, reflect both public sympathy for Gazans and the broader regional debate over the conflict and its resolution. (ILKHA)