Representatives of Islamic NGOs), who took part in a march in Türkiye's southeastern province of Diyarbakir to mark the third anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, called on Muslims not to allow Gaza to fade from the international agenda, stressing that the massacres have continued despite repeated ceasefire announcements.

The march was organized by Islamic civil society organizations in Diyarbakir to mark the third anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, launched on October 7, 2023. Hundreds of participants gathered at Dünya Junction in the central Kayapınar district before marching with Palestinian flags, banners and placards to Roboski Park, where a press statement was delivered.

Speakers at the event stressed that the suffering of the Palestinian people did not begin on October 7, 2023, but was the continuation of decades of occupation, oppression and attacks. They urged Muslims to strengthen solidarity with Gaza through public action, humanitarian support and boycotts while ensuring that the Palestinian cause remains at the forefront of international attention.

ALİ SARIHAN

"The Zionist regime understands only strength"

Ali Sarıhan, president of Ihvan-Der Diyarbakir, said the large turnout once again reflected the city's longstanding commitment to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.

Calling the demonstration "a source of pride," Sarıhan said the occupation regime had repeatedly shown that it does not respect agreements or international commitments.

"The Zionists recognize neither agreements nor treaties. The only language they understand is violence and massacres," he said.

Sarıhan emphasized that, despite the passage of three years and the scale of the destruction in Gaza, Muslims should continue organizing campaigns to ensure that the issue remains on the global agenda.

"It is our responsibility to maintain an indefinite boycott, continue public demonstrations and raise our voices on every possible platform so that Gaza is never forgotten," he said.

YAKUP KAYA

"Al-Aqsa Flood proved that oppressors can be defeated"

Yakup Kaya, a board member of the Prophet Lovers Foundation, said the events witnessed in Gaza over the past three years had become one of the greatest humanitarian tragedies in modern history.

He said the Al-Aqsa Flood operation demonstrated that powers regarded as invincible could be challenged.

"Three years ago today, we witnessed that oppressors and arrogant powers can be defeated," Kaya said. "However, what the world has witnessed in Gaza over the past three years has become one of history's most visible massacres. Even the atrocities committed by the Mongols and Crusaders cannot be compared with what is happening today."

Kaya noted that more than 73,000 Palestinians had been martyred and over 100,000 injured, while attacks continue despite international calls for a ceasefire.

"We are gathered here to be the voice of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, to expose this oppression to the world and to ensure that Gaza never disappears from the international agenda," he said.

He added that keeping the spirit of Gaza alive was a collective responsibility shared by Muslims across the world.

REMZİ UÇAR

"Every Muslim has a responsibility toward Gaza"

Molla Remzi Uçar, a member of the executive board of the Union of Scholars and Madrasas (Ittihadul Ulema), said Muslims could not remain indifferent while civilians continued to suffer in Gaza.

"We have gathered in Diyarbakir today to call for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza and Al-Aqsa," he said. "Although there is said to be a ceasefire, the blood of our Muslim brothers and sisters is still being shed."

Uçar stressed that governments, particularly leaders of Muslim countries, have a major responsibility to make every possible effort to stop the ongoing attacks and protect innocent civilians.

He said Islamic civil society organizations would continue holding marches, public gatherings and awareness campaigns until the oppression comes to an end.

"Our people must remain sensitive to what is happening because the Palestinians are our brothers and sisters. What they are experiencing today could happen elsewhere tomorrow. Every Muslim community has a responsibility toward Gaza," he added.

MEHMET DENİZ

"Palestine's struggle did not begin three years ago"

Mehmet Deniz, president of Ozgur-Der Diyarbakir Branch, said it was important to distinguish between the recent war in Gaza and the broader history of Palestinian resistance.

"The massacres in Gaza have now entered their fourth year despite all promises, guarantees and ceasefire declarations. Yet the Palestinian struggle did not begin three years ago. It has continued for nearly a century and, by the will of Allah, will continue for as long as necessary," he said.

Deniz stressed that Muslims should not leave Palestinians alone and should continue supporting them through humanitarian aid campaigns, public awareness initiatives and peaceful demonstrations.

"We must not allow Gaza or Palestine to disappear from the public agenda," he said. "Alongside humanitarian assistance, we should also raise stronger public awareness and encourage governments to adopt more consistent positions regarding Palestine."

FATİH TAŞ

"People of conscience must raise their voices"

Fatih Taş, chairman of the Ideal Education Foundation (IDEV), said the occupation regime's attacks on Palestinians long predated October 7, 2023.

"We often refer to October 7, but the occupation, massacres and genocide against the Palestinian people began decades earlier," Taş said. "The cries of the Palestinian people have existed for years. Today, despite claims of a ceasefire, we continue to witness bombardments, killings and destruction in Gaza every single day."

Taş called on people of conscience around the world to speak out against what is happening in Gaza and reject attempts to normalize the continued suffering of Palestinians.

"We have organized this march to declare that we reject these massacres and that we stand with the oppressed people of Gaza," he said.

The representatives of the participating organizations concluded the event by reaffirming their commitment to continue organizing humanitarian initiatives, awareness campaigns and public demonstrations in support of Palestine. They stressed that Muslims must not allow Gaza to fade from public attention and called on the international community to take effective action to end the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.(ILKHA)