March in Istanbul with the Slogan “Let’s Be a Light of Hope for Gaza”
In Istanbul, thousands of people participated in the march titled “Let’s Be a Light of Hope for Gaza.” The event was organized by the Palestine Support Platform, which consists of 15 non-governmental organizations, aiming to draw global attention to Israel’s attacks and blockade on Gaza.
Participants gathered on Friday evening in Beyazıt Square. After the Maghrib prayer, slogans such as “Israel is a murderer,” “Get out of Palestine,” and “The children of Gaza are waiting for us” were chanted. Marchers lit mobile phone flashlights and small lanterns as they walked toward Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Participants carried Turkish and Palestinian flags and held placards with various messages, including: “Murderous Zionists will be held accountable,” “Israel is starving Gaza,” “No to genocide in Gaza,” and “The blockade of Gaza is illegal.” The slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” was also seen on placards.
The march was supported by organizations such as the Platform of Turkish Youth NGOs, the Turkey Youth Foundation, the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), the Science Dissemination Foundation, and the Human and Civilization Movement. At the end of the event, held in the courtyard of Hagia Sophia Mosque, participants raised their hands in prayer for Gaza. Ali Erbaş, President of Religious Affairs of Turkey, was also present and prayed for an end to the oppression in Gaza.
