Mass march in Istanbul in solidarity with Gaza

Istanbul, October 6 – Thousands of people participated in a massive demonstration in the Turkish city of Istanbul to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and support the Freedom Flotilla, Anadolu Agency reported today.

The mobilization, organized by the Humanitarian Aid Foundation (IHH) and the Support Platform for Palestine, departed from the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and ended at Eminonu Square.

During the march, protesters chanted slogans such as "Peace to Gaza" and "Continue the resistance," and carried banners with messages such as "I March for the Children of Gaza" and "There is No Neutrality in the Face of Injustice."

The participants also expressed their support for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, made up of 146 activists from 22 countries, on board 11 boats that set sail from the Italian coasts to deliver humanitarian aid and denounce the blockade of Gaza.

In a speech to the protesters, Mahmut Arslan, president of the Turkish Trade Union Confederation, emphasized that “the world's squares are filled with protests for Gaza” and asserted that a global humanitarian alliance has been formed.

Palestine is no longer just a cause of the Islamic world. It is a humanitarian cause. Gaza is, from now on, a humanitarian issue, he asserted.

Arslan also called for those responsible for the genocide in Gaza, particularly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to be brought to justice before the International Criminal Court.

Last Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted 42 ships of the Global Firmness Flotilla in international waters as they headed for Gaza. Authorities arrested hundreds of activists on board.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with the backing of the United States, has intensified its military offensive against Gaza. According to official Palestinian figures, the attack has left 67,139 dead and 169,583 injured to date, mostly women and children.

Furthermore, a famine induced by the blockade has caused the deaths of 460 people, including 154 children. (Text and photo: PL)