Galata Bridge rally a historic stand for Palestine, says Turkish civic leader

The massive New Year's Day rally at Istanbul's Galata Bridge represents a historic act of solidarity with Palestine, according to Turkish civic leader Bilal Erdoğan. Addressing hundreds of thousands of participants, he framed the event as a collective pledge to continue the struggle until Gaza, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa Mosque are free.

Condemnation of 'Genocide' and International Failure

Erdoğan, Chairman of the İlim Yayma Foundation's Board of Trustees, unequivocally labeled the situation in Gaza a genocide. "What is happening in Gaza is a genocide in which a people — women, children, and the elderly — are being deliberately and systematically destroyed," he stated. He argued this exposes the moral collapse of the global order and international institutions, criticizing Israel for disregarding international law and carrying out a "policy of annihilation" with state power.

Call for Accountability and Sustained Solidarity

Erdoğan asserted that responsibility extends to those who fail to prevent such crimes. He called for Israel to pay war reparations and rebuild Gaza. Highlighting the connection between violence in Gaza and escalating settler attacks in the West Bank, he vowed, "We will not pause our struggle until the occupation ends, Palestinians secure their right to life and freedom, and the territorial integrity of the Palestinian state is recognized." He urged individual action through boycotts as a moral duty to disrupt the financial flows supporting oppression.

Context of Ongoing Violence

The rally, organized by a coalition of over 400 civil society groups, occurred despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10. Since then, Israeli attacks have continued, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting at least 414 killed and over 1,100 injured. The broader conflict since October 2023 has killed over 71,200 Palestinians and left the enclave in ruins. The demonstration underscores Türkiye's deep public and institutional commitment to the Palestinian cause, aligning with its consistent diplomatic calls for an immediate end to violence and a just, lasting two-state solution.