Half a million shun New Year festivities to march for Palestine in Istanbul
Over half a million Turkish people have taken to the streets of Istanbul as the new year began, rejecting celebrations as Israel’s atrocities in Gaza continue unabated despite a declared ceasefire.
The pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered early Thursday at Galata Bridge for a mass rally organized by the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform.
Around 520,000 participants took part in the New Year’s Day demonstration, carrying both Turkish and Palestinian flags, according to the organizers.
The protest, held under the slogan “We won’t cower, we won’t keep quiet, we won’t forget Palestine”, involved more than 400 civil society organizations and was led by the Turkish Youth Foundation.
The high turnout came despite freezing conditions, and demonstrators were forced to arrive on foot or by boat as roads leading to the bridge closed to traffic.
Palestinian symbols were displayed during the protest, including a large banner of the iconic Palestinian symbol of dispossession and steadfast resistance, Handala.
According to speakers, the new year began with collective prayer for Palestine, paying tribute to those killed, and hopes for a better year ahead.
They described the massive turnout as a testament of a society standing firmly against genocide.
Similar protests took place in Sweden, where demonstrators gathered in central Stockholm after canceling New Year’s celebrations. They marched toward the Swedish parliament, waving Palestinian flags and carrying torches.
Protesters assembled at Segels Torg Square, carrying banners reading “Children are being killed in Gaza” and “Schools and hospitals are being bombed,” while calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Sweden’s arms sales to Israel.
“We refuse to begin a new year by turning a blind eye to injustice,” organizers said in a statement, adding that “As the world enters the new year, genocide continues in Palestine.”
Israel launched a genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 70,000 Palestinians before a fragile ceasefire agreement was reached last October.
Israel has continued to carry out attacks across Gaza despite the US-brokered ceasefire deal.
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