05.10.2025 15:33
A large Palestine march is being organized in Istanbul to support the Sumud and Freedom Flotillas, which have taken action against Israel's attacks in Gaza. Thousands of people will march from Hagia Sophia Mosque to Eminönü Square. Marches in support of Palestine are also being held in Ankara and Izmir.
With the organization of the Global Sumud Fleet, dozens of ships carrying supporters from over 40 countries set sail at the end of August to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza. The activists on the fleet were detained by Israel and held in prison for 3 days. President Erdoğan instructed to bring the activists from the Global Sumud Fleet to Turkey. Upon Erdoğan's request, a total of 137 people, including 36 Turks, arrived in Istanbul on this voyage.
“WE ARE MARCHING FOR FREEDOM” EVENT IN ISTANBUL
Following Israel's piracy against the Global Stability Fleet, the International Freedom Fleet is advancing towards Gaza with 11 ships as a second wave. In response to the call of the Palestine Support Platform, an event titled "We Are Marching for Freedom" is being organized in Istanbul to support the Sumud and Freedom fleets. Some roads in the megacity have been closed to traffic for the march today.
THEY WILL MARCH TO EMINÖNÜ SQUARE
On Sunday, October 5, 2025 (today), participants will gather at the Hagia Sophia Mosque after the noon prayer and march to Eminönü Square. During the march, messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people will be conveyed with slogans such as "End the genocide in Gaza," "Freedom for Palestine," and "Lift the blockade."
In a statement from the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, it was said, "Israel's massacres and blockade in Gaza are wounding the conscience of humanity. The Sumud and Freedom Fleets are a beacon of hope against this oppression. We call on the people of Istanbul to stand with Palestine in this meaningful march." The Palestine Support Platform also stated, "In a period when states and international organizations remain silent, the solidarity of the people gives strength to Gaza. We invite everyone to this historic march."
CALL FROM THE AK PARTY ISTANBUL PROVINCIAL CHAIRMAN
AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir also made a call for the march through his social media account. In his call, Özdemir stated, "Today, after the noon prayer, we will march together from Hagia Sophia Square to Eminönü Square for Free Palestine, Free Gaza. I invite all Istanbul residents to the march." Accordingly, vehicles will not be allowed to pass through Ankara Street, Hamidiye Street, Ebu Suud Street, Orhaniye Street, Bankacılar Street, Alemdar Street, Tahmis Street, and Çiçek Pazarı Street. Bab-ı Ali Street, Government House Street, and Coastal-Kennedy Street have been designated as alternative routes.
A MARCH IS ALSO BEING ORGANIZED IN ANKARA
Today, marches are being organized in various important squares across Turkey to support Palestine. Many citizens, especially in Ankara and Istanbul, are holding anti-Israel marches with Turkish and Palestinian flags. Thousands of people, including members of civil society organizations affiliated with the Ankara Palestine Solidarity Platform (ANFİDAP), as well as elderly, youth, and children, gathered in front of Melike Hatun Mosque to draw attention to the genocide occurring in Gaza and to raise their protests against Israel.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, along with some members of parliament and Ankara Governor Vasip Şahin, also participated in the march to support the citizens. The crowd, holding Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel, carried banners reading "Humanity is dying just a step away, damn Israel," and "Muslims unite." The group, moving from here under the intense security measures of the police, will march from Atatürk Boulevard to the July 15 Kızılay National Will Square.
SUPPORT FROM THE SEA IN IZMIR
In Izmir, boats setting sail with Turkish and Palestinian flags provided support to the Global Sumud Fleet, which is on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestine and Gaza and has come under attack by Israel. As part of the event organized by the Palestine Support Platform, boats departing from the fishing shelters in Bostanlı, Güzelbahçe, Sahilevleri, İnciraltı, and Mavişehir gathered in front of Republic Square. Members of the Izmir Civil Society Organizations Platform, who gathered in the square, also supported the boats with Turkish and Palestinian flags in their hands.