Erdogan: 1.5 million people came to rally in support of Palestine

More than 1.5 million people gathered at a rally in support of Palestine, which takes place in Istanbul on October 28. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced this.

“Almost one and a half million Istanbul residents gathered here. Thank you very much”, – stated Erdogan, saying goodbye to the rally participants (quote from RIA Novosti).

The Turkish leader also said during the rally that the republic will announce Israel is a war criminal, the corresponding work is already underway. He noted that Western countries “are not even calling for a ceasefire with Israel.” According to the Turkish leader, it is the West that bears the greatest responsibility for the “massacre” in the Gaza Strip. He also called the Jewish state “a pawn in the region that can be sacrificed” when the time comes.

Erdogan earlier statedthat achieving peace in the region depends on the creation of an independent Palestinian state that would be recognized by all countries. He also said that Turkey has never condoned attacks on civilians, including Israeli civilians. At the same time, in his opinion, Israel is “committing one of the most brutal attacks in history against the oppressed in Gaza.” The Turkish leader also added that the United States and Israel will lose because they oppose justice.

On October 7, the Gaza-based Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel. The Israel Defense Forces responded by launching Operation Iron Swords, striking hundreds of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has killed some 9,000 people, most of them Palestinians.