Tens of thousands of people rallied in Istanbul on Thursday in support of Gaza, waving Palestinian and Turkish flags and demanding an end to violence in the war-torn lands.
According to an AFP reporter, demonstrators marched to the Galata Bridge under a clear blue sky and freezing cold to hold a rally with the slogan "We will not remain silent; we will not forget Palestine."
Over 400 non-governmental organisations, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's youngest son, Bilal Erdoğan, joined the demonstration.
According to police sources and the official Anadolu news agency, approximately 500,000 people attended the demonstration; speeches were delivered throughout the event, and Lebanese-born singer Maher Zain performed the song "Free Palestine".
Bilal Erdoğan stated, "We hope that the year 2026 brings happiness to our entire nation and oppressed Palestinians."