ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE - AUGUST 9: Thousands gathered in Istanbul, Türkiye on Saturday, Aug. 9, for a protest march titled "Be Hope for Gaza," organized by civil society groups under the "Platform for Support to Palestine" to condemn Israel’s ongoing military offensive and blockade on the Gaza Strip. The demonstration, which began in Beyazıt Square, brought together 15 civil society organizations and numerous citizens calling for international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protesters carried Turkish and Palestinian flags, along with banners reading: "Zionist killers will be held accountable," "Israel is starving Gaza," and "Being a mother is a human right. So where are the rights of Palestinian mothers?" Participants chanted slogans such as "Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine" and "The children of Gaza are waiting for us," as they marched with mobile phone lights and small lanterns in a symbolic gesture of solidarity. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 61,369 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign since October 7, 2023. The ministry also reported that 212 people, including 98 children, have died from starvation and malnutrition as the humanitarian crisis worsens under Israel’s blockade. In the past 24 hours alone, 11 more deaths from famine were recorded, highlighting the dire conditions in the besieged enclave. Organizers called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and accountability for alleged violations of international law. Writing by Sibel Uygun