Mass Protests in Turkey Demand Support for Gaza

On New Year's Day, hundreds of thousands gathered in Istanbul to protest against Israeli actions in Gaza, organized by the National Will Platform, which includes around 400 civil organizations. Demonstrators, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags, called for an end to what they termed genocide in Gaza, chanting slogans like 'Murderer Israel will be held accountable.' Bilal Erdoğan, son of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressed the crowd, condemning Israel and urging solidarity with Gaza. The demonstration also featured images and banners depicting the suffering of Palestinians, highlighting the humanitarian crisis. Concurrently, in Diyarbakır, thousands participated in a separate march condemning the Israeli offensive, emphasizing the need for unity among Muslim nations and voicing their outrage over the casualties in Gaza. The protests reflect a broader sentiment across Turkey and the region, urging international action against perceived injustices faced by Palestinians.