Thousands join pro-Palestinian rally on New Year's Day in Istanbul

Thousands of people gathered on Istanbul’s historic Galata Bridge on New Year’s Day to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The protest, organized by the National Will Platform — a coalition of more than 300 pro-Palestinian and Islamic NGOs — drew demonstrators waving Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine".

Bilal Erdogan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressed the crowd, urging support for Gaza and condemning Israel’s actions.

"Muslims in Syria were determined, patient, and they achieved victory. After Syria, Gaza will emerge victoriously from the siege,” Erdogan said.

Drone footage captured sweeping views of the protest, with thousands filling the bridge and the adjacent Eminonu and Sirkeci districts.