Solidarity with Palestine: Tens of thousands rally in Istanbul on first day of 2025 PHOTO

Thousands of people gathered in Istanbul on January 1, 2025, to show solidarity with Palestine, condemning Israel's actions in Gaza.

The mass demonstration, organized by the National Will Platform, took place at the historic Galata Bridge near the Golden Horn Bay, following morning prayers at several iconic mosques, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye, and New Mosque, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The participants, waving flags of Türkiye and Palestine, as well as banners denouncing Israel, marched from the mosques to the Galata Bridge, where the rally continued. The platform organizing the event includes around 400 public organizations.

In preparation for the event, Istanbul authorities imposed heavy security measures, blocking off certain streets and adjusting public transport routes, including Bosphorus ferry services. Thousands of police officers were deployed to ensure the safety of the rally.

The rally comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where the Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 45,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed by the Israeli army since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. 

With much of the infrastructure destroyed and a stifling blockade imposed, Gaza's 2.3 million residents are facing dire humanitarian conditions.

Additionally, Israel faces international legal challenges, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova