Thousands rally in Istanbul against Israeli actions in Gaza

10/8/2025 5:45

Thousands of Turkish protested here on Saturday, denouncing Israeli attacks and blockade in Gaza.

Organized by 15 civil society organizations under the "Support for Palestine Platform," the "Be Hope for Gaza" march gathered participants at Beyazit Square after evening prayers, before marching towards the iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque.

They chanted slogans like "Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine," carried Palestinian flags, and held banners accusing Israel of starving Gaza and demanding accountability.

Separately, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during which Erdogan condemned Israel's decision to bring Gaza under full military control as "absolutely unacceptable."

According to a statement by the Turkish presidential office, Erdogan reiterated T羹rkiye's continued diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and its support for Palestine, welcomed European countries' rising call for Palestine's statehood, and noted growing criticism of Israel in the West.

At least 9,862 Palestinians have been killed and 40,809 injured since Israel renewed intensive strikes on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 61,369, with 152,850 wounded, Gaza-based health authorities said Saturday.

Eleven new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition were recorded in Gaza over the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll of that kind since October 2023 to 212, including 98 children, the authorities said.

On Friday, Israel announced that its Security Cabinet had approved a plan to take over Gaza City, which immediately drew condemnation both domestically and internationally, with critics arguing it violates international law, worsens the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and undermines efforts to reach a ceasefire.