The event drew participation from members of various foundations and associations, united in their demand to stop an ongoing "genocide" committed by Israeli occupation forces in the region. The event featured both prayers for Palestine and Lebanon and a powerful press statement denouncing Israeli occupation.

Mustafa Karakaş, spokesperson for the Prophet's Lovers Association in Ankara, took the stage to deliver a fiery address on behalf of the platform. "Those who oppress will soon know what kind of revolution they will be overthrown by," he began, quoting a Quranic verse. He proceeded to decry Israel as a "Zionist occupation regime" that, with international support, has known "no boundaries in brutality" over the past century. He argued that the Israeli government's actions have not only expanded the occupation but also represent a broader attack on the Islamic world.

Karakaş emphasized that the roots of the Palestinian struggle extend far beyond the recent violence. "The tragedy of the Palestinian people did not start on October 7th," he said. "It began with the British occupation of Palestine during World War I." He further underlined that since the establishment of Israel in 1948, over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed, and millions have been displaced.

"To criticize the right of a massacred people to defend themselves is to become a willing pen of Zionism," he asserted. Karakaş argued that international media outlets were slow to recognize the long history of Palestinian suffering, focusing only on recent escalations. "Some journalists think the issue started just last week, but for the Palestinians, it’s been a century of oppression."

In a pointed attack on Israel’s broader ambitions, Karakaş quoted Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who reportedly stated, "We want a Jewish state covering Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon." Karakaş interpreted this statement as proof that Israel seeks regional domination far beyond the borders of Palestine. "The issue is not just about Hamas or Gaza," he added. "This is about the survival of the entire Islamic world against a new invasion, like the Crusader or Mongol invasions of the past."

Karakaş praised Hamas' October 7 operation, named "Aqsa Flood," as a pivotal moment. "The Aqsa Flood operation has revealed the filthy face of Israel," he declared. He condemned Israel for the deceptive policies under the guise of "Abrahamic Brotherhood," while slowly attempting to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to Karakaş, this operation has also shown the world how entrenched Israel's influence is in global commerce and politics, but it has simultaneously empowered those who stand for justice. "The whole world saw the murderousness of Israel, and people organized in cities across the globe to support the Palestinian cause," he added.

He also took aim at the Western nations that support Israel. "Netanyahu pulls the trigger, but it is Biden who gives the bullet, and Macron who hands it over," he accused. Karakaş argued that Western concepts such as human rights and respect for diversity are "idols made of halva," implying they are soft, weak, and easily destroyed. "The leaders who lecture the East on human rights are the same ones who support the murder of Palestinian children."

Karakaş called on Muslim-majority countries to unite against Israeli aggression. "The defense of Gaza is not just about one city," he said. "The defense of Beirut, Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, and Ankara begins in Gaza." He warned that if the Islamic world does not come together, the consequences could be dire. "Today, the Zionist murderers can bomb Beirut, Yemen, Syria, and Iran because Islamic countries are not giving enough support to Gaza’s resistance."

He urged Islamic nations to take action and form a strong alliance. "Muslims must put aside their differences and join forces. If we do not take measures, we will be next." Karakaş advocated for the formation of a "Al Quds Alliance" to counter Israeli occupation policies and prevent further regional destabilization. He insisted that relying on Western powers or international organizations to curb Israeli expansionism was futile. "Expecting countries that are financiers and guarantors of genocide to take a humanitarian position is a waste of time that will only lead to frustration," he declared.

Karakaş also presented a list of demands to the international community and Muslim-majority countries. "All Islamic countries that recognize Israel, including Türkiye, must revoke that recognition," he urged. He also called for military, logistical, and technological support for the Palestinian resistance, particularly Hamas, and pressed for international efforts to secure a ceasefire, withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza, and deliver humanitarian aid to the region.

One of his more proposals was the immediate enactment of a law in Türkiye that aims at revoking the citizenship of Turkish nationals who participated in the Israeli military’s genocidal war in Gaza and to confiscate their assets. "This law will reflect the will of the Turkish people," Karakaş said. He also called for the closure of military bases, such as the Kürecik radar base, which serves NATO and the U.S. but, according to him, ultimately benefits Israel.

He concluded his speech by encouraging boycotts of Israeli products and the suspension of oil shipments to Israel through third countries. "The bullet financier is the UK, but we must stop all forms of trade that support the Zionist occupation regime," he said.

The event concluded with prayers for Palestine and Lebanon, led by theologian Hafiz Mustafa Miraç Bilici. Karakaş ended his speech by paying tribute to those fighting against what he termed "Zionist terror." "Greetings to the saintly teachers of martyrdom, the heroic sons of resistance, and the saintly leaders who bear the burden of the Ummah," he said.

The event concluded with a prayer for the people of Palestine and Lebanon, led by theologian Hafiz Mustafa Miraç Bilici.

The demonstration reflects the growing discontent in Türkiye over the situation in Palestine and the wider region, with groups like the Ankara Palestine Solidarity Platform becoming increasingly vocal. While Türkiye maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, events like these indicate a deep-rooted solidarity with the Palestinian cause among segments of the Turkish population, influenced by historical, religious, and geopolitical factors.

Karakaş's fiery speech and the call for Muslim unity signal a potential push for more assertive regional policies, with Türkiye seen as a potential leader in resisting Israeli expansionism. The event not only condemns Israeli actions but also serves as a rallying cry for wider Islamic solidarity against a broader threat to the region. (ILKHA)