In a significant display of solidarity and unwavering support for Gaza, thousands of people in Diyarbakır participated in a mass march organized by the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation on the final day of 2024.

The event, marked by passionate chants and heartfelt speeches, served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians and the broader need for unity among Muslim nations.

The march commenced at Fırat Boulevard in Diyarbakır's Kayapınar district, with participants carrying flags and banners emblazoned with messages of resistance and hope. Slogans of justice and takbir reverberated through the streets as the crowd made its way toward Yenihal Bridge Junction, where the focal point of the gathering—a poignant press statement—was delivered.

Cemil Cahit Ünsal, General Coordinator of the Orphans Foundation, addressed the crowd on behalf of the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation. His speech, a clarion call for action, shed light on the atrocities in Gaza, the silence of the global community, and the urgent need for collective efforts to end the suffering.

A Year of Blood, Tears, and Unprecedented Suffering

Ünsal began his address by invoking a verse from the Qur’an: “Those who oppress will soon know what kind of revolution they will be overthrown.” He lamented the bloodshed and suffering that marked the past year, describing it as a dark chapter for humanity.

“We live in a world where children, women, and the innocent cannot be protected,” he declared. “Humanity has reached a point of exhaustion, turning a blind eye to pain, suffering, cruelty, and genocide. Every value associated with humanity is being trampled upon.”

Ünsal detailed the grim reality in Gaza, where the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces has persisted for 15 months. Over 50,000 Palestinians have been martyred since October 7, 2023, with two-thirds of the casualties comprising women and children. The number of injured is nearing 200,000, while countless bodies remain buried under rubble, inaccessible due to the ongoing bombardment. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are imprisoned, enduring brutal torture in Israeli detention centers.

“This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a moral and ethical collapse of the international community,” Ünsal stated, his voice heavy with emotion.

Exposing the Hypocrisy of the Global System

Ünsal condemned the unwavering support that the Israeli occupation forces receive from Western powers, accusing them of selectively abandoning their principles when it comes to Muslim victims.

“There is no other example in history where genocide is so blatantly supported,” he said. “When it comes to Muslims, Western imperialist powers conveniently disregard their so-called values—human rights, children’s rights, women’s rights, and the immunity of civilians. The international system has collapsed, not just institutionally but morally and intellectually.”

He pointed to the October 2023 Aksa Flood Operation, led by HAMAS, as a turning point in exposing the true face of international actors. “This operation made visible the occupation that had been ignored for a hundred years and revealed the extent of the complicity of global powers. It showed the world the true face of the oppressors and their enablers,” Ünsal asserted.

A Call for the ‘Jerusalem Alliance’

Ünsal emphasized the urgency of forming a regional coalition to counter the expansionist ambitions of the Israeli occupation regime. Highlighting the Zionist ideology of the “promised land,” he warned that Israel’s ambitions extend beyond Palestine to neighboring countries, including Türkiye.

“The Israeli regime’s expansionist policies, driven by fanaticism, will eventually target the lands where we live,” he warned. “Türkiye and the countries of the region must join forces to stop this aggression and oppression. A ‘Jerusalem Alliance’ must be established to resist these policies and protect the rights of Palestinians and other oppressed peoples.”

Demands for Global Action and Responsibility

Ünsal outlined an extensive list of demands, urging Islamic nations, regional leaders, and conscientious individuals worldwide to take action. Among his key points were:

-Immediate intervention: Islamic countries must fulfill their religious, political, and humanitarian responsibilities to halt the genocide in Gaza.

-Formation of alliances: Regional coalitions should be established to counter Zionist expansionism and provide military, logistical, and technological support to Palestinian resistance groups.

-International pressure: Global institutions must enforce measures to end the siege of Gaza, rebuild the region, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

-Support for resistance: Countries resisting Israeli occupation, including Yemen, Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon, must receive unwavering support.

-Economic boycott: A sustained boycott of products supporting Israeli aggression is essential.

-Legislation in Türkiye: The law on dual citizenship for Israelis implicated in genocide must be urgently enacted to hold them accountable.

An Enduring Commitment to the Cause of Jerusalem

Ünsal concluded his speech with a resolute pledge to continue defending the cause of Jerusalem until the Israeli occupation is dismantled. He expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, honoring their sacrifices and resilience.

“We will continue to stand by Jerusalem with perseverance and determination,” he said. “Greetings to the heroic people of Gaza, to the leaders who uphold honor, and to the martyrs who gave their lives for freedom. Your struggle is our struggle, and your victory will be humanity’s victory.”

A Resounding Message of Unity and Resistance

The march in Diyarbakır was more than just a protest; it was a profound statement of solidarity and an urgent call to action. The event highlighted the deep-rooted commitment of Muslims to the Palestinian cause and underscored the need for global unity in the face of oppression.

As the final hours of 2024 passed, the people of Diyarbakır sent a powerful message: the cries of Gaza will not go unheard, and the fight for justice will continue with unwavering resolve. (ILKHA)