Academics, activists at Boğaziçi University discuss Palestine, Gaza, Jerusalem and media narratives

Academics, students and rights advocates discussed Palestine, Gaza, Jerusalem, media narratives and the role of international organizations at a two-day program that began on Tuesday at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. The event, titled "Cut To The Chase: Truth Beyond Borders," brought together academics, researchers, human rights defenders and students and was organized by Marmara Anadolu Imam Hatip High School.

Palestinian issue 'not only humanitarian'

Sami Al-Arian of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University said the Palestinian issue should not be framed solely as a humanitarian question, arguing that the nature of Zionism makes it a regional and global issue. "This is not a Jew versus Muslim conflict," he said, adding that the issue concerns "truth" and "justice" against aggression and oppression.

Gaza experiences

Nedaa Al-Abadla, a Palestinian human rights defender from Gaza, said the suffering "did not start on Oct. 7." She shared personal accounts of family members killed under Israeli occupation, describing how children in Gaza learn early that "childhood is a luxury." She recalled a 2003 incident where Israeli soldiers forced 16 family members into one room overnight, and spoke of her uncle who died waiting for medical treatment outside Gaza: "He was approved to leave on the day he died."

Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa

Abdallah Marouf Omar of Istanbul 29 Mayıs University focused on Jerusalem, arguing the city remains at the core of the Palestinian issue. He warned that Israeli policies could lead to changes in the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, comparing it to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, which was gradually divided after 1967.

UNRWA's role

Hasan Basri Bulbul discussed UNRWA, describing it as the "backbone" of the humanitarian system in Gaza. He criticized Western countries that suspended funding after Israeli allegations, saying the accusations lacked sufficient evidence.

Media narratives

Yahya Mavituna spoke about media narratives, arguing that media often "works more like a filter" that decides which images and voices are used, urging students to diversify sources and question headlines.