Thousands of supporters of Palestine gathered in central Istanbul before dawn on Thursday to take part in the “Big Gaza March,” a powerful show of solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing war and blockade.

Organized by the National Will Platform in cooperation with the Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), the march brought together around 400 civil society organizations under the resolute slogan: “We will not back down, we will not stay silent, we will not forget Palestine.” The message echoed a growing public demand for justice and an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza.

Participants assembled in the early hours at some of Istanbul’s most historic mosques, including the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Süleymaniye, and Yeni Mosque. After performing dawn prayers, large crowds carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags poured into the streets, chanting slogans in support of Gaza and condemning the occupation and siege imposed on the Palestinian people.

Turkish media reported extensive security measures around the Galata Bridge as tens of thousands gathered before sunrise. Following the prayers, marchers were expected to move along the tram line toward the rally area on the bridge, transforming one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks into a sea of Palestinian flags and voices demanding an end to the bloodshed.

Istanbul has previously hosted the “Big Gaza March” in 2024 and 2025, with each mobilization drawing an estimated 450,000 participants and the support of more than 300 non-governmental organizations. The massive turnout has made the march one of the largest pro-Palestinian solidarity actions in the region.

Organizers said the demonstration aims to reaffirm the unwavering support of the Turkish public for Palestine, reject Israel’s policies of siege, destruction, and forced displacement, and keep Gaza at the forefront of global conscience until justice is achieved. (ILKHA)