Civil society groups in Batman, a southeastern city in Türkiye, organized a large solidarity event to back the Global Sumud Flotilla and condemn the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of over 80 vessels from 44 countries, has embarked on a dangerous mission to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade and open a maritime humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to the besieged population.

The event opened with a powerful recitation from the Holy Qur’an, setting a solemn tone as hundreds of attendees listened in silence. The crowd, made up of people of all ages — including families with children — held placards denouncing the ongoing massacres in Gaza and chanting slogans in support of the Palestinian resistance.

In his keynote speech, Serkan Ramanlı, HÜDA PAR Member of Parliament for Batman, described the situation in Gaza as the defining humanitarian tragedy of our time and called on the Muslim world to act with urgency.

“Today, the whole world sees the crimes taking place in Gaza,” Ramanlı said, his voice echoing through loudspeakers. “Everyone with a conscience harbors hatred and resentment toward the Zionists. May Allah send His punishment upon those tyrants. We stand with the oppressed and the people of Gaza with all our strength and resources. Our hearts burn for those oppressed people.”

He went on to condemn the systematic targeting of civilians, saying: “They are killing children, they are slaughtering women, they are bombing homes, schools, mosques, even hospitals. They starve Gaza of food and medicine. What they want is to break the will of Gaza — but they will never succeed.”

Ramanlı recalled that the people of Gaza had repeatedly asked the outside world not to remain silent, invoking the legacy of Palestinian leaders and martyrs, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was martyred earlier this year in an Israeli airstrike.

“Our brothers and sisters in Gaza, including the martyr Ismail Haniyeh himself, asked us not to forget them, even if we cannot support them with our lives and possessions,” Ramanlı said. “Today, we uphold this will and stand with the people of Gaza. We will continue to fill the streets and squares until justice is done.”

A major theme of the gathering was the Global Sumud Flotilla, whose name “Sumud” means steadfastness. The fleet, which includes activists, parliamentarians, doctors, and humanitarian workers, aims to challenge the 17-year-old blockade by sea.

“People of conscience around the world have once again risen up for Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla,” Ramanlı said. “People from more than 40 countries have joined this fleet. We wished Turkey would join as well. It was not meant to be this time, but we salute those who set sail.”

Participants held up posters with the names of the flotilla’s ships and prayed for their safe passage. Many compared the mission to the Mavi Marmara in 2010, which was violently intercepted by Israeli commandos, resulting in the killing of 10 Turkish activists.

“Hopefully, breaking the blockade will wake up those who are asleep,” Ramanlı added. “We hope that countries will use their power to end the massacre in Gaza. The whole world stands with the Palestinian people — this is no longer just a Palestinian issue, it is a matter of humanity.”

Following Ramanlı’s address, Mehmet Emin Şimşek delivered a joint press statement on behalf of the participating civil society groups.

“The massacre and blockade in Gaza have now continued for nearly two years before the very eyes of the world,” Şimşek read. “International law is being trampled, yet global powers remain silent. The siege of Gaza is collective punishment and constitutes a war crime. We call on the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and all responsible nations to take urgent action to establish a humanitarian corridor and deliver aid safely by sea.”

The statement went further, urging Türkiye to halt the flow of oil and goods to the Israeli regime and to take a leading role in holding war criminals accountable before international courts.

The NGOs also criticized local cultural insensitivity, condemning the decision to hold a concert in the mosque complex in Batman Esentepe at a time when “thousands of children in Gaza are being buried under rubble.”

The event concluded with a heartfelt collective prayer for the martyrs of Gaza, for the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, and for the ultimate liberation of Al-Quds. Many participants vowed to continue weekly rallies and public events until the blockade is lifted and justice is achieved for the Palestinian people.

As the crowd dispersed, one banner fluttered in the wind, carrying a message that summed up the mood of the day:

“We are all Gaza — and Gaza will never be broken.” (ILKHA)