Support for the “Great March of Return” from Istanbul

Turkish and Palestinian civil society organizations gathered in the courtyard of Fatih Mosque in Istanbul after Friday prayers, under the leadership of the Palestinian Solidarity Association, to express their support for the “Great March of Return” in Gaza. Participants carried banners, chanted slogans in support of Palestine, and held symbolic model keys representing the “Great March of Return.” Speaking at the event, Selçuk Kar, a Board Member of the Human Rights and Justice Movement (İHAK), drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stated that the Palestinian people, through peaceful activities continuing until May 15, were seeking to draw the world's attention to the injustice they face, while demanding freedom and an end to the occupation. Kar noted that Israeli attacks against these civilian demonstrations had resulted in the deaths of 42 people and injuries to more than 3,000 others. He condemned these actions and declared that efforts would be undertaken to ensure accountability for those responsible. He also called on world leaders and international institutions to suspend all relations with Israel and urged civil society organizations to increase their efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Ramazan Beyhan, President of MAZLUMDER, stated that the Palestinian people had been suffering oppression for seventy years and affirmed their commitment to standing against injustice and condemning the Zionist occupation of Jerusalem. Rıdvan Kaya, President of Özgür-Der, emphasized that Palestinians had continued their resistance despite seventy years of occupation, stating that Muslims would never submit to Zionist oppression regardless of how much time passes. Muharrem Güneş, President of the Bayt al-Maqdis Pioneers Association, explained that Palestinians who were displaced from their homeland seventy years ago continue their struggle to return through the marches launched from Gaza on March 30. He added that the “Great March of Return” had once again revealed the true nature of the Zionist occupation, which employs violence against peaceful demonstrators while presenting itself to the world as a defender of human rights and democracy.