The Palestine Convoy, which began its journey in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, arrived in Diyarbakır on Saturday after passing through Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, drawing a large crowd of supporters and activists.

The convoy was welcomed by thousands of people in Diyarbakır, a city known for its historic ties to Islam and the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Activists attending a program at the Hazrat Suleiman Mosque said the convoy’s main objective is to break the blockade on Gaza, raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis and support efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

The central message of the gathering was clear: “We will succeed in breaking the blockade.”

The program began in the evening with a musical performance dedicated to Palestine. Following the night prayer, participants gathered for speeches focusing on Gaza, Palestine and the need for continued international solidarity.

Tekdemir: ‘This Convoy Has Already Set Off Alarm Bells in Israel’

Speaking at the event, Ramazan Tekdemir, Diyarbakır provincial chairman of Memur-Sen, said the Palestine Convoy aims to draw attention to the ongoing suffering in Gaza and mobilize international public opinion.

Tekdemir said the convoy seeks to protest the attacks and what he described as genocide in Gaza, as well as the continuing occupation and pressure in the West Bank. He also highlighted the plight of Palestinian prisoners and called for stronger diplomatic efforts to mobilize countries in support of Palestine.

Describing the convoy as an important initiative, Tekdemir said it had already “set off alarm bells in Israel” and called for greater unity and support for the movement.

He also called for further steps to be taken in support of Gaza and Palestine, including the implementation of a dual-citizenship regulation currently awaiting action in the Turkish Parliament.

Özçelik: ‘No Agreement That Does Not Include Gaza Is Acceptable’

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fikret Özçelik, one of the civil society representatives who addressed the gathering, described Gaza as a symbol of resistance and said the position individuals and institutions take toward Gaza would increasingly become a measure of their commitment to justice.

“No agreement that does not include Gaza is acceptable to us,” Özçelik said.

Referring to the alliance between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he said such cooperation should contribute to supporting oppressed people, particularly those in Gaza. He stressed that the Palestinian cause should remain a priority not only for governments but also for communities and individuals in their daily lives and social activities.

Mehmet Ali Parlak, one of the organizers of the Palestine Convoy, said Gaza had become a test of conscience and responsibility for people around the world.

Calling on the public not to remain silent, Parlak urged mothers and fathers to raise generations committed to Jerusalem and Palestine. He also encouraged people to pray for Gaza, Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque, share information about the Palestinian cause and contribute in whatever ways they can.

“Gaza has become a school, a university and a way of life for us,” Parlak said, emphasizing that the suffering in Gaza should awaken a greater sense of responsibility and solidarity.

“We are responsible for the expedition. Victory is from Allah,” he said.

Aslan: ‘We Do Not Accept the Current Situation’

Cengiz Aslan, coordinator of the Palestine Convoy fleet, said the initiative emerged from a deep sense of concern over the situation in Palestine.

He warned against allowing society to become accustomed to the suffering in Gaza or accept the current situation as normal.

“We do not accept the current situation. We do not accept the deaths. We have an objection,” Aslan said, adding that the convoy represents a peaceful expression of opposition to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.

He stressed that the strength of the movement should not be measured simply by the number of participants. Rather, he said, its importance lies in the determination of those taking part to continue their journey and keep Gaza and Palestine on the international agenda.

More Than 300 Activists Taking Part

Aslan said activists from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, among other countries, are participating in the convoy.

According to Aslan, the convoy had traveled approximately 4,500 to 4,600 kilometers by the time it reached Diyarbakır. More than 300 activists were taking part, while more than 2,000 kilometers remained ahead on the journey.

He described the convoy as a movement built on perseverance and solidarity, stressing that its participants are determined to continue their efforts and not abandon the cause.

Daşkıran: ‘The Palestine Cause Is Not the Problem of One Nation’

Davut Daşkıran, a member of the Palestine Convoy board, said the initiative is about more than physically reaching its final destination. He said one of its most important goals is to keep public awareness of the Palestinian cause alive.

Daşkıran said the convoy’s efforts could have a lasting impact even if it does not immediately achieve all of its objectives, arguing that such initiatives can inspire stronger movements in the future.

He also stressed that the Palestinian cause should not be viewed as the concern of a single nation, ethnicity or community.

“When injustice is suffered, their religion is not even asked,” Daşkıran said, emphasizing that solidarity with oppressed people should transcend language, race, nationality and blood ties.

According to Daşkıran, the convoy’s journey from Europe through Anatolia and toward the Middle East represents an unprecedented route for such an initiative, with the ultimate goal of reaching Palestine.

Supporters Urged to Keep Palestine on the Agenda

Daşkıran also called on people who are unable to physically join the convoy to support it from where they are.

He urged supporters to talk about the convoy publicly, produce and share content about the initiative, and continue raising awareness about Gaza and Palestine.

He stressed that supporting the movement from afar is also a form of participation, saying that the convoy’s success depends not only on those traveling but also on those who continue to support the cause from home.

The Diyarbakır gathering also featured a one-person theatrical performance depicting the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

The emotional performance moved many participants to tears before the program concluded with a prayer.

Following its stops in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa and Diyarbakır, the Palestine Convoy is continuing its journey, with organizers reiterating their determination to keep the situation in Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause at the center of public attention. (ILKHA)