Prior to his martyrdom, Ismail Haniyeh had issued a powerful call for solidarity, urging people to "Take to the squares" on August 3. This call resonated deeply within the community, leading to the mobilization of numerous supporters in Diyarbakır. The march was organized by a coalition of Islamic NGOs who united to honor Haniyeh’s legacy and to express their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Participants gathered at Fırat Boulevard in the central Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır. The crowd then proceeded in a coordinated march toward Yenihal Interchange, where a press statement was to be delivered. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose and determination as the demonstrators marched, chanting slogans and waving banners in support of Palestinian resistance.

At Yenihal Bridge Junction, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fikret Özçelik delivered a stirring greeting speech. He called for Muslim unity against the occupation regime, emphasizing that internal conflicts and divisions should be set aside to focus on the common goal of supporting Palestine. Özçelik specifically addressed the Turkish government, urging it to accept HÜDA PAR's legislative proposal. This proposal includes measures to prosecute those involved in the crimes of genocide and to invite Khaled Meshaal, rather than Mahmoud Abbas, as the representative of Palestinian resistance.

Özçelik lamented the loss of Haniyeh, stating, “As an ummah, we lost a great leader last Wednesday. While the expression 'we are at the point where the word ends' is often used, we declare that we are at a point where the word begins anew.” He highlighted the significance of the ongoing Palestinian struggle and likened it to historical sacrifices made by early Islamic figures.

Following Özçelik’s speech, Cemil Cahit Ünsal, General Coordinator of the Orphans Foundation, read a press statement on behalf of the Diyarbakır Islamic NGOs. Ünsal delivered a sobering account of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and Palestine, describing it as one of the largest tragedies in human history. He condemned the actions of Zionist forces and their allies, accusing them of committing genocide against the Palestinian people with the backing of Western nations and hostile governments.

Ünsal reported that for the past ten months, there has been no safe refuge for Palestinians. He detailed the staggering loss of life, noting that the number of martyrs, predominantly women and children, has reached one hundred thousand. He also spoke of the dire conditions faced by those living under siege, without adequate food, water, or medical care.

Ünsal highlighted the plight of Palestinian prisoners, who are held in harsh conditions in Zionist-run prison camps and dungeons. He reported that these prisoners are subjected to severe torture and deprivation, with daily news of their martyrdom emerging from the occupied territories.

Ünsal criticized the support provided by Western countries, including the United States, Britain, and France, to the Zionist regime. He condemned the silence of Islamic world leaders and collaborative governments who, according to him, have failed to challenge the Zionist aggression. He referenced a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, which emphasized Israel's role as the front line of Western civilization, asserting that the war in Gaza is a clash of civilizations.

He stressed that this conflict is not merely a Palestinian issue but a struggle for the entire Islamic Ummah. "This war is a war between the right and the wrong, between Islamic civilization and the barbaric Western civilization," Ünsal stated.

Ünsal urged Muslims to intensify their support for Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause. He called for global solidarity, encouraging individuals and nations to join the resistance, provide aid, and impose economic sanctions on entities that support the Zionist agenda.

“We must come to the aid of the Muslim Palestinian people before the other lands of the Islamic world are next in line,” Ünsal declared. He emphasized the necessity of continuous mobilization and support, urging people to make sacrifices for the cause and to keep the issue of Gaza at the forefront of their agendas.

In closing, Ünsal reaffirmed the commitment of the Diyarbakır community to the Palestinian cause. "Until Gaza is liberated and the resistance wins, we will not leave the squares empty," he vowed. He called for ongoing demonstrations and efforts to draw global attention to the plight of Palestinians, pledging to protect the sacred cause of Jerusalem with unwavering resolve.

The march in Diyarbakır stands as a powerful testament to the solidarity and determination of the Islamic community in supporting Palestine and resisting the occupation. (ILKHA)