This footage was filmed and produced 10 March 2024.

Turkish people took to the streets in 30 cities to protest the ongoing commercial and political relations with Israel. Activists gathered in Eminonu Square in Istanbul to protest the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who chanted slogans of support for Gaza at rallies but continued trade with Israel.

During the action, where slogans of support for Gaza were chanted, a photo of US soldier Aaron Bushnell, who set himself on fire for Gaza, was also carried.

Turkish activist Ayse Rabia read the press release, and Turkish activist Ahmet Ors gave a speech after the statement.

SOUNDBITE 1, Ayse Rabia:

00:29:57 - 00:49:31
Israel is a brutal terrorist organization that has committed every possible crime against humanity and is ruled by bloody serial killers. Israel is not only accused but already convicted in the eyes of people of all languages and religions around the world for committing the crime of genocide.

01:06:34 - 01:37:02
If Israel's barbarity, occupation and genocide cannot be prevented, at least relations with Israel should be cut off de facto and officially; borders, ports and airspace must be closed to the Zionist regime. Otherwise, it is a grave shame, sin and sin, as well as complicity in the most serious crime committed against humanity for the last 6 months, namely genocide. It should be known that we do not agree with this.

01:59:04 - 02:33:40
We call out to President Erdogan and those in power who said, "We will use all the means at our disposal to stop the oppression in Gaza." The clearest and most concrete steps must be taken immediately so that Turkey can stand by Gaza against the genocide, albeit with a delay. Take concrete steps to prevent the genocide we have been watching for 5 months. We will no longer watch trade that amounts to treason, those who gain profit from genocide and increase their wealth, and those in power who turn a blind eye to these.

02:54:53 - 03:05:43
Every means should be used to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered uninterruptedly and adequately to all parts of Gaza without being subject to Israeli restrictions and control.

03:21:50 - 03:49:28
Since the beginning of the war, Israel has been depriving the people of Gaza of basic human needs such as food, water, electricity and healthcare and using them as a tool of genocide. News comes from Gaza of people dying of starvation. A frightening, dire process is taking place. We are faced with a humanitarian crisis and brutality that cannot be accepted by human comprehension.

SOUNDBITE 2, Ahmet Ors:

04:02:51 - 04:41:31
Turkey has an annual trade volume of 9 billion dollars with Zionist Israel. Even though months passed during the Gaza war, trade did not stop and even continued to increase in some places. Everyone knows this. We insistently repeat things that everyone knows and we will continue to do so. There is a trade exceeding 9 billion dollars. Turkey sends the most vegetables and fruits to Israel, Zionists and Zionist soldiers, and Turkey sends the most steel.