ISTANBUL

Hundreds of activists on Sunday gathered in Istanbul to call for a boycott of companies supporting Israel.

The rally, organized by various non-governmental organizations under the slogan "All together to stop the oppression in Gaza," urged international organizations and Muslim countries to take action against Israel.

Protesters carried banners with messages such as "Continue the boycott" and "Free Palestine from the sea to the river."

Hamas political bureau member Suheil al-Hindi addressed the crowd, describing the ongoing situation in Gaza as a “genocide.”

Hindi said that the people of Gaza are left to die, adding: "There is death in Gaza. There is a massacre in Gaza, but there is also honor and struggle in Gaza."

Organizer Ferhat Calisye criticized the UN for "double standards" and called on it to "fulfill its responsibility according to international law."

He emphasized that the boycott is not merely an economic sanction but "a symbol of respect for human rights and the pursuit of justice."

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last Oct. 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

The onslaught has resulted in more than 40,700 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and over 94,100 injuries, according to local health authorities.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor