The protest aimed to mark the anniversary of the Israeli genocidal aggression in Palestine and to draw global attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
A press statement was read aloud in three languages—Turkish, Arabic, and English—emphasizing the global nature of the resistance against Israeli aggression. The students highlighted Gaza's 17-year blockade and the genocidal attacks that have devastated the region over the past year. They framed the situation as a defining moment in history, where the struggle between justice and oppression, dignity and humiliation, is starkly visible.
The statement called out Israel’s expansionist ambitions, pointing to remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who expressed desires for a Jewish state that extends into Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Students accused Israel of systematically eroding not only the Palestinian population but also the core principles of humanity. The protesters called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "murderer" and vowed to continue resisting until justice is served.
The students acknowledged the power of global boycotts over the past year, which they state have significantly weakened Israel's economic foundation. They noted that the collective action of “conscientious and rational” individuals worldwide has shown that when united, their voices can reach every corner of the globe. According to the statement, this solidarity has emboldened their cause, helping them overcome the fear of being a minority.
In a powerful message of unity, the students declared their unwavering commitment to continue resisting Zionism. They also paid tribute to martyrs such as Ismail Haniyeh and the victims of the Freedom Flotilla, a Turkish-led humanitarian mission to Gaza. As they remembered those lost to the violence, they urged people of conscience across the world to unite for justice and challenge oppression head-on.
Echoing Islamic values of compassion and justice, the students referenced the Prophet Muhammad’s words, calling for the best treatment of women and respect for all human beings, regardless of race, language, or religion. They emphasized that the struggle for a just future requires a personal commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and awareness both within oneself and across communities.
The protest at Hacettepe University was not just a local act of resistance but a call for global action. The students urged everyone to take responsibility for their surroundings and to rise against oppression wherever it occurs. They ended their statement with a hopeful declaration: "The conscience of humanity will defeat Zionism."
The gathering was a reminder that for many, the fight for Palestine is not merely a political issue but a moral one, deeply tied to a broader vision of justice, human dignity, and global solidarity.
The full text of the statement is as follows:
Dear friends and esteemed members of the press;
Gaza has been under blockade for 17 years and has faced genocidal attacks for the past year. As with all significant turning points in history, the ongoing massacre and resistance in Gaza today serve as a criterion that distinguishes truth from falsehood, justice from oppression, and dignity from humiliation. The Zionists, pushing the limits of humanity, have systematically annihilated not only the Palestinian people but also all humanitarian principles and values.
"Israel and its supporters, insatiable for blood and lives, have recently launched attacks on Lebanon and Syria. Furthermore, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly stated their desire for a Jewish state encompassing Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Will those who turn a blind eye to oppression persist in ignoring that the gun is aimed not just at a nation, but at the very values of humanity?"
Netanyahu is a murderer. As youth from around the world, we have persisted in our resistance for a full year to ensure that he, like any other killer, faces justice. We will continue to disturb the world until he withdraws his bloody hands from the free Palestinian people. East and West will bear witness to the thousands of courageous individuals who bravely speak out against tyranny.
Over the past year, the material and moral boycotts have yielded significant results. All conscientious and rational people around the world have boycotted Zionists and Zionist thought in every sphere. The persistent stance they have shown, grounded in justice and moral conviction, has dealt a solid blow to the economic power that Zionists heavily rely on. We have seen once again that when we unite, we can make our voices heard around the world. We are freeing ourselves from manufactured fears, growing without hesitation about being a minority. Let us not forget that when we overcome manufactured fears and taught helplessness, the future will be ours.
On the anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood, we send our greetings to the resistors from Türkiye, the center of the Freedom Flotilla. We remember Ismail Haniyeh, Aysenur Ezgi and our brothers who have been martyred in this cause. We declare with an open heart that we will do whatever it takes to broaden the battlefield against Zionism. We invite all conscientious people of the world to unite for justice and goodness and to shout the oppressors' tyranny in their faces. And we believe that "The conscience of humanity will defeat Zionism."
And we, the conscientious youth, gather here today to remember our dear sisters Ikbal Uzuner and Aysenur Halil, whose tragic losses have brought us sorrow. We echo the Prophet's call: 'The best among you are those who are best in conduct, and the best among you are those who treat their women well.' You have come here today, dear young brother, because you have taken to heart the troubles of humanity! For a secure future, we must promise peace and harmony to all communities, regardless of language, religion, or race. On this path, we must first raise awareness in ourselves and then in those closest to us, taking responsibility for our neighborhood, our street, our campus, and our society. (ILKHA)