Organized in front of the Kemeraltı Mosque at 5 January Square, the protest sought to draw attention to the plight of those suffering in Gaza and urge Islamic nations and the international community to step in.

The event, attended by representatives from the Mustazafs Society, Hope Caravan Association, MEKTEB, Prophet’s Lovers Association, and the Adana Provincial Chairman of HUDA PAR, Fethullah Beyazçiçek, was marked by a communal recitation of the Holy Quran by Nusreddin Hodja. Orhan Erkuş, an Adana Coordinator for Prophet’s Lovers Foundation, delivered the main statement, which focused on calls for action, unity, and support for those facing persecution.

Erkuş’s statement highlighted the urgency of addressing the ongoing human tragedy in Gaza, where civilians have been enduring severe hardship due to restricted access to food and medicine. “For over a month, 600,000 people in northern Gaza have struggled in the face of hunger and medical shortages,” Erkuş said. He expressed deep disappointment over the global silence, emphasizing that “remaining silent to the oppression of the oppressor is to consent to oppression,” and urged for an end to passivity.

Erkuş called for a more assertive response from the Islamic world, stating that messages of condemnation alone were inadequate to stop what he described as the expansionist policies of the “Israeli occupation regime.” He argued that true change would come only through the strength and unity of regional alliances.

In his appeal, Erkuş outlined specific actions for the international community, urging support for humanitarian aid to Gaza through the establishment of a humanitarian corridor. He also called for alliances among regional powers to counter the expansionist actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and other affected areas. Türkiye, along with other regional powers, was urged to take proactive measures to halt violence in the region, including logistical and military support for local resistance movements. Erkuş advocated for backing the conditions set by HAMAS for a permanent ceasefire and for concrete efforts to rebuild Gaza and ensure lasting peace.

The event concluded with a prayer led by Mullah Ekrem Derdiyok, following Erkuş’s closing remarks, in which he expressed solidarity with Gaza’s civilians and resistance fighters, underscoring Prophet’s Lovers Foundation’s support for their struggle. He encouraged attendees to participate in a boycott against products associated with the “Israeli occupation regime” as an act of defiance and solidarity.

Erkuş’s final words expressed determination, stating: “We will continue to defend the cause of Jerusalem until Israeli occupation regime is thrown into the sea and wiped off the map.” The gathering was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the Gaza crisis on the people in Adana and across the region, and the event served as a strong call for unity and action. (ILKHA)