Istanbul: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through Istanbul in a powerful demonstration themed, “No to genocide, massacre, and deportation in Gaza.”
The protest drew significant participation from supporters of Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, reflecting widespread anger and solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive.
The demonstrators aimed to reach Istanbul’s symbolic Taksim Square, but were blocked by police, leading to brief scuffles between protesters and law enforcement. The tensions did not deter the crowd, who continued to chant slogans condemning the violence in Gaza and calling for an immediate end to what they described as crimes against humanity.
This protest in Türkiye’s commercial capital comes amid growing outrage across the Muslim world over the rising death toll in Gaza and Israel’s military actions, which many believe have crossed humanitarian lines. The chants of “No to genocide” echoed through the streets, capturing the sentiment of citizens who see the war not just as a geopolitical issue but a moral crisis.
While Turkish authorities have often allowed pro-Palestinian protests, efforts to reach central and politically sensitive areas like Taksim are frequently blocked for security reasons. Despite this, the demonstrators made their presence known, using placards, chants, and sheer numbers to voice their discontent.
The Istanbul protest is the latest in a wave of global demonstrations demanding justice for Palestinians and calling on world leaders to intervene. As the war in Gaza continues, public pressure from cities like Istanbul shows no signs of slowing down.
