Protests erupt across Türkiye in response to Israeli attack on Rafah

Tens of thousands of people are gathered outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul and cities across Turkey, including Diyarbakır, Siirt, and Gaziantep, to protest an Israeli attack on a camp housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah

Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul and in cities across Türkiye, including Diyarbakır, Siirt, and Gaziantep, to protest an Israeli attack on a camp housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

In Istanbul, thousands of protesters assembled in front of the Israeli Consulate following the attack. Gathering first at the Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Mosque, they marched to the consulate, carrying Palestinian and Turkish flags. The crowd chanted slogans such as “Killer Israel, get out of Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” condemning Israel’s actions.

Tensions rose when some demonstrators attempted to breach police security barriers, leading to a brief scuffle that was quickly defused by fellow protesters. The rally concluded with a prayer for Palestine before the crowd dispersed.

In Diyarbakır, residents protested the attack in the central Kayapınar district, organized by local Islamic civil society organizations. Following prayers at the Diclekent Mosque, protesters marched to the July 15 Martyrs Park, waving Palestinian flags and chanting against Israel.

Ramazan Tekdemir, head of Memur-Sen and Eğitim-Bir-Sen’s Diyarbakır branch, spoke at the event, decrying the attack as a massacre targeting innocent civilians living in makeshift tents. He called for widespread support for the Palestinian resistance.

In Konya, the Civil Society Organizations Platform organized a “Voice for Palestine” march. Participants gathered in Zafer Square and walked to Mevlana Square, where Platform President Adem Ceylan delivered a speech, condemning the ongoing violence.

Ceylan described the situation as one of the most disgraceful periods in human history, accusing some nations of pursuing policies to extend life comfort while others face death. He harshly criticized Israel, stating, “Jews, notorious for defying God and killing prophets, have once again proven to be one of humanity’s greatest scourges.” He lamented the inaction of Muslim countries and called for more substantial support for Gaza, urging Muslim leaders to take decisive military, political, and economic measures against Israel.

Ceylan also called for the cessation of all relationships with Israel, urging that no Israeli officials be allowed into Türkiye and that those who join the Israeli military be stripped of their Turkish citizenship. He emphasized the need for a united Muslim response and concrete actions to end the conflict.

These widespread protests reflect the strong sentiments in Türkiye against the Israeli actions in Rafah and underscore the calls for international solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Source: Newsroom, AA