ISTANBUL: More than 450,000 people gathered at Istanbul's Galata Bridge on New Year's Day to express solidarity with Palestine. The rally, organized by the National Will Platform, a coalition of 308 NGOs, drew participants from across the region, who marched after early morning prayers, defying wintry conditions to carry Turkish and Palestinian flags.
According to Anadolu Agency, demonstrators, including the elderly, women, and children, prayed for an end to the Israeli massacre in Palestine before assembling on the bridge. The event called for international action against ongoing atrocities, with a large banner reading "Stop Genocide in Gaza" displayed prominently in both Turkish and English.
Security measures were extensive, and the protest was supported by boats on the sea. "ForFairFuture" stickers were visible on a press platform, and the area was equipped with giant screens and a sound system. The rally featured speeches from Turkish and foreign NGO members and human rights activists.
Bilal Erdogan, chair of a foundation's board of trustees, condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, marking the 453rd day of what he termed genocide. He criticized Israel for targeting civilians and institutions, challenging Western values on human rights, press freedom, and expression.
Ibrahim Besinci, another NGO leader, spoke of the emotional toll on Gaza's children and families, emphasizing the widespread suffering in the region. Protesters chanted slogans calling for accountability and honored the martyrs.
The rally concluded with global messages of solidarity, highlighting the diverse turnout. Emine Karatas, a participant, expressed deep sorrow for Palestinian victims, while Ahmet Salih Ozturk noted the diverse presence defending human rights. Abdulai Embalo, a student from Guinea-Bissau, called for unity against oppression.
The Israeli army has been accused of waging a genocidal war on Gaza, resulting in over 45,500 deaths since a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Arrest warrants for Israeli leaders were issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024, and Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.