Pro-Hamas Demonstrations in Istanbul, Turkey
Thousands of demonstrators in Istanbul, Turkey, marched in support of Hamas and denounced the killing of their leader, Ismail Haniyeh, by waving photos of him, burning an Israeli flag, and making anti-Israel chants. The protests were coordinated through social media and included calls to ban American and Israeli forces from using a NATO radar station and Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. Some violence occurred in Batman province, with assaults on shops linked to the US and Israel.
Key Points
- Thousands of demonstrators in Istanbul support Hamas
- Calls to ban US and Israeli forces from Turkish bases
- Violence and assaults on businesses reported
Pros
- Demonstrates public support for Hamas and solidarity with Palestinians
Cons
- Violence and assaults on businesses
- Anti-Israel rhetoric and burning of flags