Led by IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, a protest was held in Istanbul against the genocide committed by the occupying Israeli regime in Palestine. Throughout the march, participants chanted slogans such as “The People of Palestine Are Not Alone,” “Killer Israel, Collaborator USA,” and “Send Turkish Soldiers to Gaza,” and they also recited the Takbir. The march started from the Beyazıt Square and continued to the front of the Hagia Sophia Mosque. After the march, Murat Tokgöz, the Imam of Sümbül Efendi Mosque, recited verses from the Quran. Following the recitation, speeches were delivered by IHH President Lawyer Bülent Yıldırım, activist and Freedom Flotilla Coalition Spokesperson Ann Wright, and Honorary President of the Aksa Education and Solidarity Foundation, Ramazan Kayan. The music group Grup Genç also performed songs during the event.
“We Stand with Palestine”
Bülent Yıldırım said: “We are calling out to the entire world: Cut off trade with Israel. Our country has banned the trade, but we ask the authorities for one more thing—go after the companies that are disguising the origin of goods to continue trading. They are as guilty as war criminals. There are even countries sending fuel there. Here is our message to everyone: Whoever stands with Palestine is honored in the sight of God. Thank God, with our people and our state, we stand with Palestine.”
“We Are Following the Prophet”
Yıldırım continued: “We must think wisely. That’s why we are doing what the Prophet Muhammad instructed. At that time, there was a war between the Persians and the Byzantines. The Messenger of God said: ‘If you cannot pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, then send oil to light its lamps.’ O Messenger of God, 1,400 years later, we declare our loyalty to you.”
“Europe Will Take Action”
Yıldırım also called for participation in an upcoming major demonstration: “We will hold a large protest on May 31. Be ready. On May 31, Israel killed Turkish citizens on the Mavi Marmara. Israel attacked the Mavi Marmara ship and killed people. I’m calling on everyone to join us.”
He concluded his speech by saying: “Where was the Conscience Ship attacked? The terrorist Israeli state attacked the Conscience Ship right off Europe’s coast. Europe is witnessing this attack now, and European states will take action, don’t worry.”
“Gaza Has Become the Spirit of the Ummah”
Ramazan Kayan, Honorary President of the Aksa Education and Solidarity Foundation, said: “Gaza has now become the soul of the Muslim community, the hope of humanity, and the conscience of the world. Gaza is more than just a piece of land.”
“Only Mothers Understand”
The final speech was given by Ann Wright, spokesperson for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. She said: “Only a mother can understand the killing of a child, and right now I see mothers in front of me, showing support and solidarity. I came to Turkey last night to follow up on the attack on the Conscience Ship, which is part of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition. As you know, the Conscience Ship was bombed by Israel on May 2. There were 18 people aboard, including Mecit, who is currently serving as my interpreter. Just as we set sail with the Mavi Marmara 15 years ago, we have now done the same with the Conscience Ship.”
The event concluded with a prayer led by Abdussamed Altuntaş, Imam of Has Odabaşı Mosque.
