Crowds Gather in Istanbul for Nighttime Protest against Genocide in Gaza
In the heart of Istanbul, Beyazıt Square echoed with the voices of thousands of protesters on Saturday evening. The rally, organised by the Support to Palestine platform, aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and express solidarity with its people.
The crisis in Gaza, characterized by relentless violence, massive civilian casualties, and severe shortages of food and medical supplies, has been a topic of global concern. Over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with thousands more injured. More than 90% of Gaza's population has been forcibly displaced, leading to a sharp rise in hunger-related deaths.
Among the participants were Ali Erbaş, head of the government’s Presidency of Religious Affairs, Bilal Erdoğan, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Eyyüp Kadir Inan, Selçuk Bayraktar, and heads of several labour unions. Jenny Molendyk Divleli, a Canadian-born educator living in Istanbul, also joined the rally. Divleki, who converted to Islam in 2006, expressed her concern about the escalating situation in Gaza, stating that it has reached an ever more serious stage.
Mohammed Ben Elsheikh, a Tunisian protester living in Istanbul for four years, sent his greetings to Gazans and Hamas. Elsheikh condemned the international community’s inaction regarding the situation in Gaza, expressing a desire for freedom for Gazans and expressing solidarity with Hamas.
The rally was against Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza and the starvation of Palestinians. Elsheikh stated that children are dying, Gaza is dying, and there are incidents of murder, starvation, and imprisonment in Gaza. A young Palestinian girl recited a poem dedicated to Palestinians at the end of the rally, poignantly emphasising the plight of the people in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Humanitarian partners have warned of famine unfolding in Gaza, calling for urgent cessation of violence, unimpeded aid access, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
Divleki expressed hope about the changing global attitudes toward Palestine. She stated that more organizations are speaking up and news agencies are changing their stance on Palestine. Organizers called on the international community to take urgent action to end the suffering in Gaza, stressing the need for a ceasefire to enable relief efforts and the delivery of essential supplies such as food, nutrition supplements, medicine, clean water, and fuel.
As the rally came to a close, the crowd held small lanterns and flashlights, casting a sombre yet determined light on the ongoing struggle for peace in Gaza. Elsheikh emphasised that Muslim people are moving to amplify the voices of Gazans, underscoring the urgent need for the world and its leaders to address the crisis in Gaza.
- The crisis in Gaza, marked by continuous violence, immense civilian casualties, and critical shortages of food and medical resources, is a pressing issue discussed worldwide.
- Among the participants at the rally in Beyazıt Square, Istanbul, was Ali Erbaş, the head of the government’s Presidency of Religious Affairs, who showed concern about the situation in Gaza.
- Mohammed Ben Elsheikh, a Tunisian protester residing in Istanbul, criticized the international community's inactivity in addressing the crisis in Gaza and expressed solidarity with Hamas.
- The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
- Amid concerns of famine in Gaza, humanitarian partners are urging the cessation of violence, unimpeded aid access, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
- Organizers of the rally in support of Palestine called on the international community to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, highlighting the importance of a ceasefire, relief efforts, and the delivery of essential supplies such as food, medicine, clean water, and fuel.
