ISTANBUL, Turkiye: Thousands of demonstrators filled Istanbul on Saturday evening to protest the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran earlier this week. The demonstration, organized by conservative and pro-government groups, saw protesters brandishing Turkish and Palestinian flags and portraits of Haniyeh in front of the iconic Hagia Sophia.
Haniyeh’s death has sparked intense reactions across the region. He was buried in Qatar on Friday, where he had been based prior to his death. The Israeli government, which is widely accused by Hamas and its allies of being behind the attack, has refrained from direct comment on the incident.
Bilal Erdogan, the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, denounced the killing as a “treacherous” act by Israel, referring to Haniyeh as an important hero. Erdogan himself has condemned the assassination, describing it as an example of “Zionist barbarity.”
He had previously hosted Haniyeh in Istanbul, expressing strong support for Hamas, which he views as a liberation movement. This stance contrasts with the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
The timing of Haniyeh’s death coincides with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has seen significant casualties. Following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on October 7, Israel has launched a devastating campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 39,550 deaths mostly women and children according to local health authorities. This conflict has also seen the seizure of 251 hostages, with 111 still held captive.
The unrest in Istanbul underscores the deep political and emotional currents surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting broader regional tensions and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
