In a powerful show of solidarity, tens of thousands gathered early Wednesday on Istanbul’s iconic Galata Bridge, calling for an end to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. This large-scale protest comes as the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory continues to escalate, with over 45,000 deaths reported, the majority of whom are women and children, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Unified Voices Across Turkey
The demonstration, organized by a coalition of 400 civil society organizations, began at dawn following morning prayers in key mosques, including Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Protesters carried massive Palestinian and Turkish flags, alongside banners decrying what they called “genocide” in Gaza. The rallying cry for the march was clear: “Yesterday Hagia Sophia, today the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, tomorrow Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.”
Bilal Erdoğan Addresses Protesters
Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a prominent figure in the Türkiye Gençlik Vakfı (TÜGVA), delivered an impassioned speech to the crowd, declaring, “Gaza is not alone, and Syria is not abandoned.” He emphasized Turkey’s vigilance and resolve, stating, “We are awake and steadfast while the world sleeps.”
The Context Behind the Protests
The ongoing conflict in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza has drawn widespread international condemnation for its devastating impact on civilians.
Humanitarian organizations have reported dire conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by blockades restricting aid. Five infants recently succumbed to hypothermia due to the lack of resources, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll.
Global Repercussions
The actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have led to significant international scrutiny. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the prolonged military campaign in Gaza.
As protests like these gain momentum, they underscore the rising global demand for a resolution to the Gaza crisis and greater accountability for those involved in escalating violence.
