The march, which began at Fatih Mosque and ended in Saraçhane Park, was marked by slogans against the Israeli occupation and in support of Palestinian resistance. Participants hailed Sinwar as a martyr, emphasizing his role in the fight against Israeli aggression.

After the news of Yahya Sinwar’s martyrdom, absentia funeral prayers were held in multiple locations across Istanbul at the call of Hamas. The march in Istanbul drew thousands, led by the Gaza Advisory Platform. Along the route, the crowd chanted in support of the resistance, with many praising Sinwar's sacrifice and condemning the Israeli regime. “Sinwar’s martyrdom is a victory for us and a sign of the strength of our resistance,” one participant shouted as they marched towards Saraçhane Park.

The event culminated with a speech from Gazan journalist Rıdvan El Ahras, who paid tribute to Sinwar’s lifelong dedication to jihad and his unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. “Yahya Sinwar could have sought high-ranking positions, but he chose to remain and be remembered as a mujahid,” El Ahras told the crowd. “He knew that in the eyes of Allah, being a mujahid, a fighter for justice, was superior to any worldly rank or title. He continued his jihad even after years in prison, striking blow after blow against the Zionists.”

Quoting the 23rd verse of Surah Ahzab, El Ahras reflected on Sinwar's journey from a young prisoner in Zionist jails to a military leader of Hamas. “He was imprisoned when he was still a young man, but prison did not weaken his resolve. When he emerged, he did not seek glory or position, but continued his fight as a true mujahid,” El Ahras said. “In the end, he marched to victory through his martyrdom.”

Sinwar, who was the head of Hamas’s political bureau, was revered by his followers for his leadership and strategic role in confronting Israeli forces. His martyrdom has further galvanized his supporters, who see him as a symbol of defiance. El Ahras praised Sinwar’s resilience, noting that despite being tortured and imprisoned by the Israeli occupiers, Sinwar returned to the battlefield, leading Hamas in numerous operations against the Zionist regime.

“When Yahya Sinwar was freed from prison, the Zionists thought they had weakened him,” El Ahras continued. “But instead, he formed an army that stood up to the Zionist forces, an army that struck fear into their hearts on the morning of October 7. Yahya Sinwar was always at the forefront, leading the mujahideen. Even when the Zionists searched for him, they could not reach him. He fought with honor, and in the end, he achieved martyrdom.”

Throughout the event, participants reiterated their support for the Palestinian cause, with many vowing to continue the resistance that Sinwar had championed. The crowd chanted slogans in favor of resistance and congratulated Sinwar on his martyrdom. “It is more honorable to die in dignity than to live in humiliation,” El Ahras proclaimed, quoting Sinwar’s message to the world. “The martyrs of Gaza are telling us that we must continue the fight. May Allah accept their sacrifices.

The funeral prayer in Saraçhane Park was a powerful moment of solidarity, underscoring the strong ties between Turkey and the Palestinian cause. As the event concluded, attendees expressed their determination to keep Sinwar’s legacy alive. “Yahya Sinwar has left this world, but his spirit and his fight remain with us,” El Ahras said. “We will continue the resistance, and we will not rest until we achieve victory.”

The march and prayer in Istanbul highlighted the profound admiration that many have for Sinwar’s dedication to the Palestinian cause. For those in attendance, his martyrdom was not the end, but rather a symbol of the ongoing struggle against Israeli occupation. (ILKHA)