Hundreds of thousands rally for Palestine in Istanbul
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Hundreds of thousands of people marched across Istanbul on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in a sweeping show of solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning ‘Israel’s’ genocidal crimes in the Gaza Strip and rejecting claims that a ceasefire has eased the suffering.
Demonstrators carrying Palestinian and Turkish flags converged on the historic Galata Bridge despite freezing temperatures. The rally, held under the slogan “We won’t remain silent, we won’t forget Palestine,” was organised by civil society groups under the National Will Platform, alongside major Turkish football clubs.
Police sources and Anadolu Agency estimated turnout at around 500,000, making it one of the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in Turkiye since the war began.
Speaking during the rally, Galatasaray club chair Dursun Ozbek described ‘Israel’s’ actions as a moral test for the world, saying silence in the face of oppression is unacceptable.
Protesters also voiced rejection of what they described as a fragile ceasefire, arguing it has failed to stop the killing of Palestinians. More than 400 Palestinians have been martyred since the ceasefire took effect, according to local authorities, while aid remains blocked from entering the besieged Gaza Strip.
Turkiye has cut trade ties with ‘Israel’ and closed its airspace and ports, but demonstrators called for stronger and sustained international pressure to end the war.
