The streets of Istanbul once again became the voice of the oppressed Sunday night as hundreds of men, women, and children marched under the banners of the Prophet Lovers Foundation and the Free Jerusalem Platform, declaring unwavering support for the Global Sumud Flotilla and voicing fierce condemnation of Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Gathering at Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Mosque in Beşiktaş, participants first performed the evening prayer in congregation, transforming the mosque courtyard into a sea of raised hands and heartfelt supplications for Gaza. Following the prayer, a massive procession set out toward the Israeli consulate. Protesters carried Palestinian flags, Qur’anic banners, and placards with slogans such as “Jerusalem Will Be Free,” “End the Genocide in Gaza,” and “Down with the Zionist Regime and Its Supporters.”

The event opened with a soul-stirring recitation of the Qur’an by Molla Cemal Çınar, echoing through the streets, setting a deeply spiritual tone for the evening.

Author Mehmet Ali Ortaç addressed the crowd with a passionate speech recalling the decades of Palestinian suffering under occupation:

“Since the founding of the illegitimate occupying terrorist state, rivers of blood have been shed. For decades, the world remained silent — people simply watched, helpless, as our brothers and sisters were martyred. But today, something has changed. The people of the world are rising. Even governments that are not Muslim have begun to reject the terrorist leaders, refusing to allow them into their countries. Perhaps as civil society we could not stop the bloodshed with our own hands, but as Hazrat Ali said, we have made the oppression known to every conscience on earth. This is the first step toward divine justice.”

Ortaç went on to share encouraging words from resistance fighters in Gaza: “I spoke with a brother in Gaza today. He told me: ‘Even if the Global Sumud Flotilla cannot reach us, we will humiliate the occupiers. We will resist to the last drop of our blood. Gaza, HAMAS, Islamic Jihad — we follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) — and we have made the liberation of Jerusalem our mission. We have paid the price, and we are prepared to pay more until victory is achieved. God willing, we will see Jerusalem free.’”

Taking the stage next, Molla Nizamettin Yaçin, a prominent scholar and member of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, delivered a fiery sermon reminding the crowd that divine justice is inevitable:

“Allah is not unaware of the deeds of the oppressors. Their punishment is delayed only so that the truth may be revealed and the tyrants exposed. Allah promises in the Qur’an: ‘If you help Allah’s religion, He will help you, and no power can defeat you.’ The Jews caused corruption on earth twice — the first time they martyred Prophets Yahya and Zakariya. They plotted against Prophet Isa, and Allah destroyed them and scattered them. The second corruption is what we are witnessing today: the massacre of the people of Gaza, the desecration of Al-Aqsa, the slaughter of women and children. But Allah says He will expose their dark faces to the world and destroy them once again. Even Europe now sees their true face — they are like rabid dogs, and that is their end.”

Yaçin called on the Muslim Ummah to unite and intensify their efforts through prayer, boycotts, and material support for the Palestinian resistance:

“We are living in the time of divine tests. This is a time for patience, for perseverance, and for helping the oppressed. Do not remain silent. Every dua you make, every lira you give, every step you take in the streets matters. Remember, victory belongs only to the believers.”

The rally took place as Gaza endures one of the deadliest phases of the Israeli war of extermination. In the past week alone, Israeli airstrikes have targeted homes, schools, and refugee camps, killing hundreds of civilians, including women and children. International human rights organizations have described the situation as a “slow-motion genocide,” yet Western powers continue to supply the occupation regime with weapons and political cover.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of humanitarian ships from dozens of countries, is preparing to break the illegal blockade of Gaza and deliver life-saving aid. Activists in Istanbul said their march was part of a broader global effort to pressure Israel and its supporters to end the siege.

The program ended with an emotional collective dua (prayer) led by Molla Nizamettin Yaçin, who prayed for the victory of the Palestinian resistance, the protection of Gaza’s children, and the liberation of Al-Quds. Many participants were seen in tears, raising their hands to the heavens, chanting “Labbaik Ya Aqsa!” (We are at your service, O Aqsa!).

Organizers vowed to continue their mobilization until the genocide ends and Jerusalem is free. “Every rally, every ship, every act of resistance brings us closer to victory,” they said, calling on all Muslims worldwide to stand up against oppression. (ILKHA)