From Istanbul: Curses on Genocide, and a Thousand Salutes to the Resistance

A massive rally took place in Istanbul as part of the "Platform for the Support of Palestine," which organized events in 81 provinces on the 365th day of the genocide being perpetrated by the killer Israeli regime in Gaza. During the rally, held in Üsküdar Square, Istanbul, the President of Memur-Sen, Ali Yalçın, launched a scathing attack on Israel, stating, "There is no other example in history or anywhere else in the world where a murderer and a genocidal entity have been supported to this extent."

In addition to Ali Yalçın, the rally was attended by Bilal Erdoğan, Member of the High Advisory Board of the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar, Hamas Political Bureau Spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, as well as numerous NGO representatives and media members.

In his speech, Yalçın reminded the audience that the genocidal attacks by the Zionist Israeli regime in Gaza had continued for 365 days, killing more than 42,000 people, including women and children. He pointed out the world’s silence in the face of this genocide, adding, "This terrorist organization disguised as a state, which considers killing children a part of its belief system, is turning the region into a bloodbath under the protection of the imperialist system and is spreading its genocidal policies throughout the region. There has never been another time in history where a murderer and genocidal regime were supported to this extent. Western imperialist powers are executing their hatred toward Islam and Muslims through this Zionist murderous gang. When it comes to Muslims, they trample on all the values they claim to stand for, such as democracy, human rights, and freedom.”

Yalçın continued: “We are confronting a racist regime and belief system that has lost its humanity to the point of calling others 'sub-human.'" 

"They Plan to Ignite the Entire Region"

Yalçın further explained that this corrupt entity, which imprisons innocents, has gone as far as committing rape, and said, “The international system has collapsed morally, intellectually, and practically. International institutions have collapsed. Even worse, humanity is defenseless with all its values against this murderous regime and the imperialist powers that unconditionally support it. The cries of the oppressed have reached the heavens, and the screams of mothers have ignited consciences. Words are no longer enough, nor are speeches. Everything is happening before our eyes. While some may be deceived by the Zionist Israeli propaganda machine and think that what’s happening in Gaza is distant from them, we must remind them of the truth once again. Israel, supported by the West, has killed 42,000 people, including 17,000 children and 11,500 women, since October 7, 2023."

He emphasized that these figures are not mere statistics but represent individual lives, explaining, "These are our children, our mothers, our sisters… These are the painful realities that wound our conscience. By bombing schools, hospitals, mosques, and churches, the Zionist regime shows its disregard for the shared values of humanity, and with its attacks on Lebanon, it demonstrates its plan to ignite the entire region to achieve its delusional goal of 'Greater Israel.' We know they will not stop there." 

Yalçın: We Are Here to Say Stop to Occupation, Massacres, and Genocide

Yalçın continued by stating that the West, while wearing a mask of peace, is in fact waging a war against its own values, providing weapons, money, and political support to the genocidal regime. He stressed that the dignity of humanity now rests on the shoulders of Palestinian children, women, and men, and added: "While all this is happening in Gaza and Palestine, we are faced with an Islamic world that is still concerned with maintaining its balance and afraid of losing its small interests. The regional countries that are aiding Israel and the United States through the Abraham Accords are, unfortunately, tarnishing our honor. But the truth is clear. Israel, backed by the West, has started to ignite the entire region. The savagery and genocide that began in Gaza last year have now spread to Lebanon and Yemen. Today, in Üsküdar Square, we are here to support the just struggle and resistance of the Palestinian people, and to say stop to this disgraceful occupation, massacre, and genocide that has spread from Gaza to Lebanon and is now targeting Yemen." 

"We Are Facing a Dirty Game" 

Yalçın pointed out that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s warning last week about the situation in the region was extremely important, and noted that imperialist strategies are aligned with the Zionist Israeli regime's goal of 'Greater Israel.' He stated, “How else can we explain the warships in the Eastern Mediterranean and the arms aid to the murderous regime? We are facing a dirty game. That’s why it’s worth emphasizing again: Turkey’s defense starts from Gaza! The attack on Lebanon shows that the war has entered a new phase. Meanwhile, in Western capitals, the same formulaic statements continue. The strategies that were once dismissed as conspiracy theories are now being realized before our very eyes. No one should think these events are distant from us. Ignorance and negligence will be our downfall. Now is the time to be vigilant. Now is the time to support the Gaza front. Now is the time to defend human dignity and be the voice of conscience. Now is the time to stand with our brothers and sisters.” 

Yalçın: The Blood Vessels Pumping Life into Zionism Must Be Severed 

Yalçın stressed the belief that, as friends of Palestine, the honor of humanity will ultimately prevail against this murderous gang, and that they must first strengthen the lines of resistance. He called for deepening and expanding the boycott to cut off the blood vessels that pump life into Zionism. He declared, "From here, we renew our call to every individual in our nation, from 7 to 70: You won’t die if you don’t buy Israeli products, but if you do, they will kill children. We declare it openly: Israel has been a terrorist organization committing massacres in Palestinian lands for a hundred years. The occupation it has carried out through settler terror and usurpation has entered a new phase. What has been happening since October 7, 2023, marks a new stage in the Zionist occupation. With the boundless support of imperialism and the sponsorship of Zionist companies, the racist regime committing massacres in Gaza now has the entire region in its sights. Despite the propaganda spread by the terrorist regime, we boldly declare that the resistance in Gaza is the honor of humanity and of us. Salutations to those defending their homes, lands, freedoms, and beliefs in Gaza! May the banner of humanity never fall, may dignity never be trampled, and may hope never die. We salute those who shield themselves against oppression and heroically resist Zionism and dozens of imperialist states despite the horrific genocide. We curse the genocide entering its first year and salute the brave resistance fighters and martyrs in Gaza," he concluded. 

Abu Zuhri: Our Resistance Will Continue Until Jerusalem is Free 

In his speech, Hamas Spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri also thanked the Turkish people for their solidarity with Gaza, noting that rallies were being held in 81 cities today.

He said, "We are here to shout that the heroic people of Gaza, who have taught the world a lesson with their glorious resistance, are not alone. If the United States and its allies are against Gaza, all of Turkey stands with Gaza. Even if the Westerners take a stance against Gaza, all of Turkey is united with Gaza. It has been one year; thousands of tons of bombs have been dropped on Gaza, yet the entire people of Gaza remain in resistance, standing tall and proud. I want to give this good news to the Turkish people and the whole world today: Our resistance continues without interruption. We will continue our struggle until we liberate Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The rally, during which several videos depicting the genocide and the suffering of Palestinians were shown, concluded with a prayer by Dr. Şerafettin Kalay.