In a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza, thousands gathered in Istanbul to protest the Israeli occupation regime’s ongoing genocide in Palestine.

Organized by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and supported by numerous Islamic and humanitarian groups including the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation, Özgür-Der, and the Free Jerusalem Platform, the march drew crowds from across the city and beyond.

The march began in Beyazıt Square, with participants waving Palestinian flags and chanting defiant slogans such as “Palestinian People Are Not Alone” and “Murderer Israel, Collaborator USA.” Echoes of takbirs resonated through the streets as the procession moved toward the Hagia Sophia Mosque, symbolizing Türkiye’s deep-rooted support for the Palestinian cause.

Following the march, Imam Hatibi Murat Tokgöz recited verses from the Holy Qur’an, reminding the crowd of their moral and religious responsibility to stand with the oppressed.

Speaking at the rally, IHH President Bülent Yıldırım issued a clarion call to sever all trade and diplomatic ties with the Zionist regime. “We urge the entire world: stop trading with Israel. Those who secretly trade through false origins are committing war crimes,” he warned. “Whoever stands by Palestine is honored in the sight of Allah.”

Quoting the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Yıldırım continued: “Even if you cannot pray in Masjid al-Aqsa, send oil for its lamps. O Messenger of Allah, 1,400 years later, we declare our loyalty to you here today.”

Yıldırım also called for mass participation in a major rally on 31 May, marking the anniversary of the Mavi Marmara massacre in which Israeli forces murdered Turkish humanitarian activists in international waters. “The Ship of Conscience was attacked at the heart of Europe. Europe cannot ignore this any longer — action is coming.”

Ramazan Kayan, Honorary President of the Aksa Education and Solidarity Foundation, emphasized Gaza’s spiritual and moral significance: “Gaza is the soul of the ummah, the hope of humanity, and the conscience of the world. It is not merely a piece of land — it is a symbol of global resistance.”

Freedom Flotilla Coalition spokesperson and former U.S. Army Colonel Ann Wright, also addressed the crowd, highlighting the suffering of Palestinian mothers. “Only a mother understands the pain of losing a child. And today, I stand before brave mothers who carry Gaza in their hearts.”

Wright condemned Israel’s May 2 bombing of the “Ship of Conscience,” part of the new Freedom Flotilla campaign. “Just as we raised the Mavi Marmara 15 years ago, we now raise the Ship of Conscience,” she said, noting her swift arrival in Türkiye to support the victims and activists.

The event concluded with a collective prayer led by Has Odabaşı Mosque’s Imam Abdussamed Altuntaş, asking Allah for the liberation of Palestine and justice for the martyrs.

The mass demonstration once again underlined Türkiye’s unwavering solidarity with Gaza and the global demand for an end to the Israeli regime’s occupation, siege, and war crimes. (ILKHA)