Over 450,000 people took part in a pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul on January 1, 2025 to protest Israel’s ruthless attacks on Gaza, and to support the Palestinian people. The rally was organized by a coalition of about 400 non-government organizations under the umbrella of the National Will Platform.
People of all ages took part in the rally. Turkish and Palestinian flags were waved by many in solidarity. Slogans included, “We are waking up the world,” “A sun is rising,” and a large banner was displayed on a bridge nearby, stating in Turkish and English, “Stop Genocide in Gaza.” Some protesters displayed headless mannequins and a toy baby in a crib with the sign, “Baby Killers,” to symbolize the brutality of the IDF against Palestinian children. The demonstration was peaceful, and no arrests were made.
Prominent politicians and civic leaders addressed the rally, including Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, former Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop, Bilal Erdogan, Vice President of Ilim Yayma Vakfi, and a member of TUGVA’s High Advisory Board, as well as various Turkish parliamentarians and other activists.
