Overview
- Police and Anadolu Agency estimated about 500,000 people gathered at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge in freezing weather under the slogan “We won’t remain silent, we won’t forget Palestine.”
- The march was organized under the National Will Platform with more than 400 civil society groups, with Bilal Erdogan among the organizers, and drew support from major football clubs.
- Lebanese-born singer Maher Zain performed “Free Palestine” as speakers and participants condemned Israel and challenged the narrative that the October truce delivered real relief.
- Reporting from the event cited more than 400 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire took effect, alongside continued restrictions on aid entering Gaza.
- Turkiye has cut trade with Israel and closed its airspace and ports, and it played a role in a ceasefire announced in October by President Donald Trump, yet protesters called for sustained international pressure.