A massive Public Rally was organized today in Istanbul city to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. Turkiye’s President Erdogan addressed the rally, warning Israel of consequences.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at a massive public rally organized by his party, demonstrating solidarity with Palestine. During this national rally in Turkey, Erdogan made several emphatic statements:”Israel, how did you come to be here? How did you arrive here? You are considered occupiers, not a recognized state.
“The West may support you, but Turkey does not.”
He also stood by his statement that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, stating, “When I declared that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, it didn’t sit well with Israel. That’s precisely why I said it. What were you expecting?”
Furthermore, Erdogan criticized those who expressed sympathy for civilian casualties in the Ukrainian-Russian war while seemingly ignoring the deaths of thousands of innocent children in the Gaza Strip, saying, “Hey, West, I’m addressing you! Do you want a conflict between the cross and the crescent? Be aware that this nation is alive and resolute.”
He urged a close examination of statements made by Israeli officials, suggesting that they contained plans for affront and betrayal, including intentions regarding Turkish lands. He pointed towards the statements that were made by many senior members of Israeli government.
Since October 7, when the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel started, Turkiye is witnessing massive protests. The protests reached the peak when the famous Al Ahli Hospital was attacked by the Israeli forces. In some protests, the people of Turkiye demanded the government to expel the Israeli Ambassador and to send Turkish Forces to Gaza. Yesterday, a protest was organized outside Israeli Embassy. It is important to note that Israel has also warned it’s citizens to immediately leave Turkiye.
Erdogan in his today’s speech and in various public protests hinted at a military intervention, if Israel continues to attack women, children and hospitals in Palestine, Gaza.