Massive Rally in Turkey Supports Sumud Flotilla and Gaza
In Istanbul, a large-scale rally took place in front of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, where participants expressed support for the "Global Freedom Flotilla." The demonstration aimed to address the actions of Zionists in Gaza and advocate for lifting the blockade on the enclave.
In a powerful display of solidarity, a wave of Palestinian flags and the resounding echoes of slogans condemning what was described as Israel’s barbaric actions filled the main streets and squares of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir on Sunday. These nationwide rallies were organized in support of the people of Gaza and in opposition to the policies of what protesters referred to as the Zionist regime.
According to Daily Sabah, rallies orchestrated by a coalition of nongovernmental organizations served as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians and the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla, comprised of activists from various countries, aimed to breach the blockade earlier this week.
In Turkey, large-scale demonstrations in support of Palestinians have been a recurring event; however, Sunday’s gatherings coincided closely with the second anniversary of a renewed phase in the Palestine-Israel conflict. This recent escalation has resulted in what has been described as genocide against Palestinians and the indiscriminate killing of nearly 70,000 individuals since 2023.
Coinciding with the rallies, individuals embarked on boats across various seas of Turkey and several other bodies of water, demonstrating solidarity with the Sumud flotilla. This flotilla journeyed from Spain to the Eastern Mediterranean, facing persistent harassment throughout its voyage.
In Ankara, a significant gathering of demonstrators, comprising a diverse mix of participants from elderly individuals to children, assembled outside Melike Hatun Mosque for a march towards the centrally located July 15 Kızılay National Will Square. Among those present were key figures such as Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Ankara Governor Vasip Şahin. The crowd, prominently displaying Palestinian flags, voiced slogans denouncing Israel and advocated for the solidarity of Muslims.
In the western port city of Izmir, a fleet of boats took to the waters in solidarity with the flotilla. Meanwhile, on Lake Van in eastern Türkiye, a procession of fishing boats, canoes, and divers set off, bearing Palestinian flags and banners, as thousands of supporters lined the lakeside, offering their cheers.
