'Gaza Suffering Will Not Go Unanswered'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the huge pro-Palestine demonstration held in Istanbul on New Year’s Day as a “historic turning point,” saying it showed the world that the Palestinian people are not standing alone.

Speaking after Friday prayers, Erdoğan strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the actions carried out under his leadership would not go unanswered. He said the suffering inflicted on innocent people had drawn the condemnation of oppressed communities everywhere, from children to the elderly.

The Turkish leader condemned Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza and highlighted the deepening humanitarian crisis, particularly the plight of children forced to survive in temporary shelters amid harsh weather conditions. He said those responsible would ultimately face accountability.

Erdoğan also announced that he is scheduled to hold a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon, describing it as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.

An estimated 520,000 people gathered early on New Year’s Day at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge for a large-scale march in solidarity with Palestine. The event was organised by the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform, with support from more than 400 civil society groups, and was led by the Turkish Youth Foundation (TUGVA).

Marchers rallied under the slogan, “We will not be intimidated, we will not remain silent, we will not forget Palestine,” calling for an end to what they described as the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and caused widespread destruction across the territory. Although a ceasefire came into effect in October 2025, reports of violations have continued.