Islamic civil society organizations held a joint press conference on Tuesday to mobilize local support for the Palestine Convoy, which is scheduled to arrive in the city on Saturday, August 8.

The convoy began its journey in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Traveling through Turkey, it is expected to pass through Ankara, Konya, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa before reaching Diyarbakır and continuing onward to Mardin.

The briefing took place at the Memur-Sen Diyarbakır Provincial Presidency building. Representatives from several Islamic NGOs attended. Memur-Sen Diyarbakır Provincial President Ramazan Tekdemir delivered the joint statement, while İhvan-Der Diyarbakır President Ali Saruhan and Özgür-Der Diyarbakır Branch President Mehmet Deniz also spoke about the convoy’s aims and planned activities in the city.

Ramazan Tekdemir

"Diyarbakır Will Not Remain Silent in the Face of Gaza's Suffering"

Tekdemir said Diyarbakır has long been recognized as a city that stands with the oppressed and upholds the values of justice, brotherhood and solidarity. He stressed that the people of the city would once again demonstrate their unwavering support for Palestine.

"Today, we have gathered in Diyarbakır, a city that has historically been a symbol of justice and solidarity with the oppressed, to raise our voices against the immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and to declare to the world that the Palestinian people are not alone," he said.

Although a ceasefire has been announced, Tekdemir argued that attacks on civilians continue, leaving women, children and the elderly to bear the brunt of the devastation. He described the humanitarian situation as one marked by blockade, hunger, shortages of medicine and the deliberate deprivation of basic necessities.

"Despite the so-called ceasefire, destruction continues in Gaza. The blockade, hunger and lack of medical supplies have become instruments of oppression. In the face of this reality, people of conscience cannot remain silent," he added.

"A Humanitarian Responsibility"

Tekdemir emphasized that Gaza continues to face severe restrictions on access to food, clean water and medical supplies, describing the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before the eyes of the international community.

He criticized the inability of international institutions and global powers to take effective action, saying civil society has a historic and moral obligation to stand with the Palestinian people.

"Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are being subjected to genocide before the eyes of the world. When diplomacy and international institutions fail, it becomes the responsibility of civil society to raise its voice and take action," he said.

Describing Diyarbakır as a city that has always embraced the Palestinian cause, Tekdemir said its people have consistently identified with the struggles of Jerusalem, Gaza and oppressed communities across the world.

"The Convoy Represents More Than Humanitarian Aid"

Tekdemir stressed that the Palestine Land Convoy is far more than an aid initiative.

"This convoy is not simply carrying humanitarian assistance. It is a powerful call to break the blockade and the silence surrounding Gaza. It represents a humanitarian corridor, a bridge of conscience and brotherhood, and a collective demand for justice," he said.

He added that Diyarbakır has been actively involved in preparations for the convoy and will play a significant role during its visit.

Ali Saruhan

Public Invited to Welcome the Convoy

İhvan-Der Diyarbakır President Ali Saruhan said the convoy seeks to draw international attention not only to Gaza but also to the occupied West Bank, where, he said, Israeli occupation policies and attacks have intensified.

He noted that the convoy is currently traveling through Ankara, Konya, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa before reaching Diyarbakır and continuing on to Mardin.

Saruhan called on the people of Diyarbakır to gather at the city entrance at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday to welcome the convoy and urged supporters to amplify its message through social media.

"We invite all the people of Diyarbakır to once again demonstrate the solidarity they have consistently shown for Palestine. We also encourage everyone to actively share the convoy's journey on social media so its message reaches a wider audience," he said.

Mehmet Deniz

Convoy to Be Welcomed with Procession and Public Programs

Özgür-Der Diyarbakır Branch President Mehmet Deniz said the convoy aims to highlight the blockade imposed on Gaza and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories while strengthening international solidarity with the Palestinian people.

He announced that following the official welcoming at the city's entrance, participants will accompany the convoy in a vehicle procession through Diyarbakır before taking part in two public programs after the evening (Maghrib) and night (Isha) prayers at the Hazreti Süleyman Mosque Complex.

Deniz urged residents to participate in the events as a demonstration of support for efforts to end the blockade on Gaza and to stand alongside the Palestinian people.

According to the organizers, the Palestine Land Convoy will depart Diyarbakır on Sunday morning at around 10:00 a.m., continuing its journey to Mardin as part of a broader international campaign calling for humanitarian access to Gaza, an end to the blockade and greater global solidarity with the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)