"As we liberated Hagia Sophia, we will do the same with Al-Aqsa," says Erdogan's son

Istanbul witnessed a massive demonstration on the first day of 2025, with hundreds of thousands participating in a show of solidarity with Palestine and condemnation of Israel.

The march began at several mosques after morning prayers and proceeded across the Galata Bridge, with demonstrators carrying Palestinian and Turkish flags.

The protest was organized by the "National Will" platform, which comprises 308 non-governmental organizations.

A large banner bearing the slogan "Stop the Genocide in Gaza," written in Turkish and English, was displayed prominently on the Galata Bridge.

Bilal Erdoğan, son of the Turkish president and head of a group of donors supporting Palestine, addressed the gathering. He condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that they were witnessing the 453rd day of the "genocide" taking place there.

According to the Anadolu Agency, Bilal Erdoğan cited the deaths of infants, women, elderly people, doctors, journalists, and rescue workers at the hands of Israel, as well as attacks on schools, mosques, and places of worship.

"The West's masks have fallen in Gaza. Where are human rights? Where are children's rights? Where are women's rights? Where is freedom of the press and expression? All Western values have died in Gaza," he declared.

In closing, Erdoğan's son referred to the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, saying, "Just as we liberated Hagia Sophia from its chains, so too will we liberate the Al-Aqsa Mosque tomorrow."