March of solidarity with Gaza residents starts in Türkiye

A march of solidarity with the residents of the Gaza Strip and condemnation of terrorism on the first day of the new year has started in Türkiye’s Istanbul city.

The march started after morning prayer (namaz), according to the A-Haber TV channel.

Tens of thousands of residents of Istanbul and other Turkish cities with flags of Türkiye, Palestine, and banners condemning Israel's actions in Gaza marched from the world-famous Hagia Sophia mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Suleymaniye mosque and the New Mosque to the Galata Bridge at the Golden Horn.

There, the march organisers intend to read a statement in support of the people of Palestine.

The event was organised by the Türkiye National Platform, which includes over 300 Turkish public and youth organisations.

One of its initiators is the son of Turkish President Bilal Erdogan, who heads the Turkish Youth Foundation.

Some streets in the historical part of Istanbul are closed to traffic due to the march.