During the protest, a significant number of NGO volunteers gathered to voice their support for the Palestinian resistance and condemn the Israeli occupation regime. Mücahid Gacal, representing the NGOs, delivered a press statement highlighting the resilience of the people of Gaza despite facing unprecedented attacks and genocidal actions from Israel and its international allies, especially the United States.

Gacal criticized the Turkish government for its perceived lack of support for Gaza, contrasting Türkiye’s stance with the actions of other nations. He questioned why Türkiye, which claims to support justice, does not take more decisive action against Israel, especially when other countries such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq have shown significant resistance efforts.

He urged the ruling party to invite genuine representatives of the Palestinian resistance to Türkiye and to engage them in parliamentary discussions, rather than Mahmoud Abbas, whom Gacal accused of cooperating with Israel and undermining the resistance’s efforts.

Additionally, Gacal called for the cessation of oil shipments to Israel, criticizing Türkiye’s continued trade relations with the Israeli regime. He pointed out that Azerbaijan’s SOCAR company, which supplies a significant portion of Israel’s crude oil needs, delivers this oil through Türkiye despite embargoes. Gacal demanded that the Turkish government cut off this oil flow, emphasizing that true support for the Palestinian resistance requires stopping these shipments.

“The government must take serious steps to sever all relations with the occupation regime,” Gacal asserted. “If Türkiye truly supports the Palestinian resistance and honors the legacy of martyr Ismail Haniyeh, it must immediately end the oil shipments to Israel. Failure to do so will only lead to accusations of complicity and a harsh reckoning in the future.”

The protests and calls for action reflect a broader sentiment among many in Türkiye who seek more substantial measures in support of Palestine amid the ongoing Israeli genocide. (ILKHA)