Thousands rally in Malatya in solidarity with Gaza amid ongoing genocide

The event, held in front of the Metropolitan Municipality on Inonu Street, drew participants not only from Malatya but also from neighboring cities, reflecting a widespread concern and support for the plight of Palestinians.

Dr. Nawaf Takruri, President of the Union of Palestinian Scholars, delivered a stirring address, highlighting the resilience and dignity of Gazans amidst adversity. He declared passionately to the crowd, "The Aqsa Flood and our ongoing struggle in Gaza are moments of honor and glory for all of us. We stand united in our resistance against oppression and injustice!"

The rally commenced with a recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Emre Olçar, renowned for his beautiful Quranic readings, setting a solemn tone for the event. This was followed by heartfelt performances of melodies and hymns by Mahfuz Aktekin, underscoring the emotional intensity of the gathering.

During the event, Muhammed Hamdiye, a speaker from Gaza, shared his personal anguish and the devastating impact of the conflict on his family. With tears in his eyes, he recounted the tragic loss of 37 relatives, predominantly children, due to the genocide in Gaza. He pleaded to the crowd, "We need your support more than ever. Do not forget us. We are suffering, but we are resilient."

IHH President Bülent Yıldırım also addressed the crowd, expressing his conviction that the Gaza conflict has broader implications for global perceptions of Islam and resistance against Zionist policies. He passionately exclaimed, "The struggle in Gaza is not just a local issue; it is a test for the conscience of humanity. We must all stand together against oppression and injustice!"

Author Ramazan Kayan delivered a passionate critique of the NATO Kürecik Base located in Malatya, labeling it a "black stain" on the city's conscience. He called for its removal, urging local authorities and citizens to take proactive steps to cleanse Malatya's reputation and uphold humanitarian principles.

The rally continued with speeches from various dignitaries and community leaders, each emphasizing the urgency of supporting Gaza in its struggle for justice and dignity. AK Party MPs, including Bülent Tüfenkci and İhsan Koca, reiterated Türkiye's commitment to standing with Palestine and condemned the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israeli occupation forces.

Throughout the day, chants of "Free Palestine!" and "Long Live Gaza!" echoed through the streets of Malatya, as attendees waved Palestinian flags and held up signs denouncing Israeli occupation. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and determination, as participants vowed to continue their advocacy efforts until justice is achieved for Palestinians.

The event concluded with a collective prayer for peace and justice in Gaza, led by local religious leaders and attended by people of all ages and backgrounds.

The "Great Gaza Rally" in Malatya served not only as a platform for expressing grievances but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of solidarity among Kurds, Turks and Muslims globally.

As the international community grapples with the complexities of the Gaza conflict, gatherings like these underscore the importance of humanitarian action and collective responsibility in addressing humanitarian crises. The voices raised in Malatya echoed across borders, reminding the world of the ongoing struggle for justice and dignity in Palestine. (ILKHA)