Protests erupted in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to express their support for Hamas and condemn the killing of its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Iran earlier that morning.
The crowds waved photos of Haniyeh and banners that read, “Martyr Haniyeh, Jerusalem is our cause, and your path is our path.” They also displayed Palestinian and Turkish flags, while burning at least one Israeli flag.
The protesters chanted slogans such as “Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine,” “Salute Hamas and continue resisting,” and “Zionist dogs will pay.” The demonstrations were organized through social media, with joint statements from Palestinian activist groups, labor unions, and Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party condemning Israel’s actions.
Some of the protest groups called for Turkey to expel American and Israeli forces from a NATO radar station and Incirlik Air Base, a strategic military base in southern Turkey. The protests turned violent in some areas, with reports of assaults on shops and restaurants linked to the United States and Israel, including Starbucks and Burger King.
Turkish police investigated reports of customers being attacked by the mob at these establishments. The protests followed a statement from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who condemned the assassination of Haniyeh as a “despicable act” and referred to him as his “brother.” Erdogan also hinted that Turkey could be prepared to take military action against Israel on behalf of the Palestinians.
The Turkish government had earlier condemned the “heinous attack in Tehran” and expressed its support for Hamas. The protests in Istanbul were a show of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and a demonstration of Turkey’s strong ties with Hamas.
