Background and Relevance
On January 1, more than 520,000 people participated in a massive march in Istanbul, Turkey, to express their rejection of the ongoing violence by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank. The protest was organized by the Alliance for Humanity and National Will Platform, supported by over 400 civil society organizations in Turkey and several political parties, including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Key Participants and Statements
- Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunç: Participated in the march and emphasized the importance of standing together for human rights and justice. He highlighted the significance of the gathering, stating that more than half a million people came together in Galata, Istanbul, despite the cold weather.
- Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat: Condemned Israel for the “genocide” of the Palestinian people, holding the government of Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for the violence.
Protest Details and Location
The demonstration started at the iconic Galata Bridge in Istanbul and concluded at the open space separating Sultanahmet Mosque (formerly known as the Church of Holy Wisdom, or Hagia Sophia) and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul’s historic district. The protesters chanted under the slogan “We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not forget Palestine.”
Impact and Significance
This massive show of solidarity highlights the global concern over the ongoing conflict in Palestine and the urgent need for peace. The participation of Turkish government ministers and numerous civil society organizations underscores the importance of this issue on both domestic and international stages.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who organized the protest? The Alliance for Humanity and National Will Platform, supported by over 400 civil society organizations in Turkey and several political parties, including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
- How many people participated in the march? More than 520,000 people took part in the demonstration.
- What was the main slogan of the protest? “We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not forget Palestine.”
- Which Turkish government ministers participated in the protest? Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunç, and Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat.
- What did the Turkish ministers condemn? They condemned Israel for the violence against Palestinians, with Minister Ömer Bolat calling it a “genocide” and holding the government of Benjamin Netanyahu responsible.
