The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation and Free Jerusalem Platform organized the protest, with additional backing from the Sarıyer Gaza Platform and various NGOs.  Following the noon prayer at Istinye Mahmut Çavuş Mosque, participants carrying banners and chanting slogans marched towards the consulate, voicing their support for Hamas and opposition to Israeli atrocities.

Feyzi Zülaloğlu, speaking after a Quran recitation, highlighted the ongoing struggles in Gaza and criticized international institutions for their inaction. "The Gaza resistance has ignited a global intifada of conscience," he declared, emphasizing the Palestinian people's steadfastness and calling out the perceived ineffectiveness of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. Zülaloğlu lauded Gazans' resilience, describing their eight-month resistance as a heroic struggle against what he termed modern-day Pharaohs.

Author Mehmet Zülküf Yel addressed the crowd, declaring the persistence of their struggle against oppression and imperialism. "We will never surrender; we will continue this fight until humanity is free," Yel asserted. He emphasized that the conflict is not just regional, but a global one, affecting the conscience of people worldwide. Yel called for Muslim unity and vowed their fight against tyranny and oppression would be unrelenting.

A significant portion of the protest condemned individuals with dual citizenship alleged to have participated in atrocities in Gaza. Yel demanded these individuals be prosecuted upon returning to Turkey, equating them with terrorists. "We will not tolerate Zionist perpetrators of massacres walking freely on our streets," he declared, urging Turkish authorities to take immediate legal action.

Ercan İlhan, representing the Prophet Lovers and Free Jerusalem Platform, read a press statement urging decisive action from Muslim leaders against Israel. "This is not the time for Western help. Stand up and act before the fire engulfs you and us all," İlhan proclaimed. He criticized international bodies for their inaction and called on Muslim leaders to use their power and sovereignty to end the Israeli occupation.

The protest comes amid escalating tensions, with recent Israeli attacks on Rafah drawing widespread condemnation. UN and international warnings highlight the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where residents face severe shortages of life-saving supplies. The Israeli occupation army's closure of the Rafah border crossing has exacerbated the crisis, leading to calls for urgent international intervention.

İlhan stressed that defending Istanbul begins in Gaza, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the struggle against oppression. He called for Muslim unity and urged them to prioritize the plight of Gaza over sectarian and racial divisions.

The demonstration concluded with a prayer for Gaza, emphasizing the need for continued support and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The protesters vowed to keep up their efforts until justice is achieved and the occupation ends. (ILKHA)