"Today people are trying to show their support on the very first day of the new year, said Sinem Koseoglu, Al Jazeera's Turkiye correspondent reporting from Istanbul on Thursday. Koseoglu said football clubs have also been calling on their supporters to join the demonstrations. She added that Palestine is an issue that draws support across the country's political spectrum, from the ruling AK Party to major opposition parties."
"Demonstrators, gathering before dawn at prominent Istanbul mosques including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye, and Eminonu New Mosque, called for an end to the genocide in Gaza. Many displayed Turkish and Palestinian flags in mosque courtyards to express solidarity. Despite freezing conditions, attendance was substantial. Authorities implemented comprehensive security measures, particularly around Sultanahmet Square, where hot refreshments were provided to participants."
Thousands of protesters marched through Istanbul after morning prayers to demand an end to Israel's genocidal war in Gaza. Demonstrators gathered before dawn at mosques including Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye and Eminonu Mosque, displaying Turkish and Palestinian flags in mosque courtyards. Attendance remained substantial despite freezing conditions. Football clubs urged supporters to join, and the issue drew backing across the political spectrum from the ruling AK Party to opposition parties. After prayers protesters marched toward the Galata Bridge accompanied by ministers and dignitaries. Authorities deployed comprehensive security measures and provided hot refreshments; the official programme began at 08:30 local time (05:30 GMT).
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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