Thousands of pro-Hamas protesters marched through the streets of central Istanbul late on Wednesday, expressing outrage over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader of the Palestinian militant group.
The demonstration followed Haniyeh’s death in Tehran, an attack that has escalated tensions in the region and prompted threats of retaliation against Israel.
The march, held in the city’s Fatih district, saw demonstrators carrying posters of Haniyeh and banners proclaiming, “Martyr Haniyeh, Jerusalem is our cause and your path is our path.”
“The protesters, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags, chanted slogans such as “murderer Israel, get out of Palestine” and “thousands of greetings from Istanbul to the resistance in Gaza.”
Haniyeh’s assassination in the Iranian capital has intensified fears that the ongoing conflict in Gaza might spill over into a broader Middle East confrontation. Iranian officials have condemned the attack, and Hamas has vowed revenge, further complicating the already volatile situation.
As the march progressed, demonstrators expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian cause and their anger towards Israel. The atmosphere was charged, with many participants calling for continued resistance against what they described as Israeli aggression. AFP journalists on the scene reported that some protesters also burned an Israeli flag, symbolizing their deep-seated animosity.
The assassination of Haniyeh, who played a significant role in Hamas’s political and military strategies, marks a critical point in the conflict.
His death in Tehran, far from Gaza, underscores the international dimensions of the struggle and the intricate web of alliances and enmities that characterize the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
Turkey, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, has seen a surge of pro-Palestinian sentiment in recent years.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has frequently criticized Israeli policies and actions, aligning himself with Palestinian aspirations for statehood. The Istanbul protest is a reflection of this broader national sentiment and the strong emotional ties many Turks feel towards the Palestinian issue.
Local authorities facilitated the protest, which remained largely peaceful despite the high emotions. Security forces were present to ensure order, but there were no reports of major incidents or violence.
The killing of Haniyeh has prompted widespread condemnation from various Palestinian factions and their supporters worldwide. Many see it as an act of aggression that further destabilizes the region and undermines efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
In the coming days, the repercussions of Haniyeh’s death are likely to unfold further, with potential impacts on the dynamics of the Gaza conflict and broader Middle Eastern relations.
The Istanbul protest is just one of many expressions of solidarity and outrage that are expected to emerge globally as the situation develops.
As night fell, the protesters in Istanbul continued their march, their chants echoing through the streets, a poignant reminder of the enduring and deeply-rooted conflict that continues to shape the lives and politics of millions in the region.