A major public march swept across Istanbul on Thursday, as hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered to express solidarity with Palestinians and draw attention to Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. The rally, coordinated by a broad coalition of civil organizations, took place despite freezing winter conditions and ahead of the new year.
Crowds assembled on the historic Galata Bridge, many holding Palestinian and Turkish flags, as civic groups and sports communities voiced unified concern for civilian safety, aid access, and long-term stability in Gaza.
The demonstration was supported by the National Will Platform, alongside more than 400 independent community organizations, making it one of the largest Palestine-focused public mobilizations recorded in Türkiye since the Ukraine-Gaza diplomatic timeline began.
Several Turkish football clubs also encouraged fan participation, amplifying turnout beyond traditional activist circles. The slogan driving the march, voiced widely across banners and digital messages, was:
“We refuse silence, we remember Palestine.”
Sports Leaders Speak Out
In a widely circulated video message, Galatasaray club chair Dursun Özbek framed the conflict as a moral test for the world.
“We will not normalize this silence,” he said.
“When people stand together against injustice, it is not politics — it is a human stance.”
Mixed Views on Ceasefire
Al Jazeera correspondent Sinem Köseoğlu, reporting from the bridge, noted that the march also reflected skepticism toward public optimism surrounding the ceasefire announced in October 2025.
She said many demonstrators believe the pause in fighting has not delivered meaningful improvements, calling it fragile and incomplete, especially as casualties continue to be reported in Gaza and humanitarian aid remains restricted.
“People here see solidarity as more urgent than reassurance,” Köseoğlu said.
“Their message is simple: Gaza is not rebuilding, families are not safe, and aid is not flowing freely.”
Official Estimates on Turnout
-
Police sources and Anadolu Agency estimated participation at about 500,000 people.
-
A performance by singer Maher Zain was included, where he delivered a live rendition of solidarity-themed music in front of a large crowd of raised flags.
-
The march caused temporary crowd-management routes around the bridge, though no public shutdowns or security emergencies were reported in Istanbul.
Türkiye’s Position on Gaza
Türkiye has maintained a critical stance toward Israel’s Gaza campaign, including cutting trade routes and limiting air and sea access. However, officials say the Istanbul march focused on renewed humanitarian awareness, with demonstrators calling for continued international pressure rather than symbolic diplomacy.
Although Türkiye previously played a role in supporting ceasefire discussions led by President Donald Trump, the ceasefire has not prevented continued fatalities in Gaza, where:
-
More than 400 Palestinians have been reported killed since the ceasefire began
-
Aid shipments into Gaza remain restricted
-
Civil registry losses continue to be documented
These figures may update as recovery and documentation continues.