With the rallying cry of ‘Campuses Rise, Long Live the Global Intifada,’ the METU students voiced their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Gathering in solidarity, the students chanted slogans and waved banners to express their strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation and its allies. Amidst a charged atmosphere, the students reiterated their commitment to standing against oppression and injustice.

During the rally, Ömer Erdoğan, representing the METU students, delivered a passionate address. "Today, as Muslim students from METU, we have gathered to protest against the Zionist, terrorist, occupying Israel, which has become a pharaoh," he declared, his voice resolute. "We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine, united in our opposition to oppression and injustice."

Erdoğan stressed the importance of Muslim unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. "Believers are like the parts of one body," he proclaimed, quoting religious scripture. "We must come together as one to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their struggle for freedom and justice."

Quoting a verse from Holy Quran, Erdoğan invoked the teachings of Islam to underscore the moral imperative of standing up against injustice. "Do not show slackness, do not be sad. If you believe, you are the ones who will prevail," he proclaimed.

The statement delivered by Erdoğan also included a series of demands addressed to both METU and the Turkish government. "We demand the cancellation of all student exchange programs with Israeli universities," he declared, his voice unwavering. "We call for a comprehensive embargo on Israel to hold them accountable for their crimes against humanity."

Following Erdoğan's impassioned address in Turkish, the statement was read aloud in English and Arabic, emphasizing the universality of the message and the global solidarity in support of Palestine. The demonstration concluded with a renewed commitment from the students to continue advocating for justice and liberation for the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)