Academics in Istanbul march in protest against Israeli war on Gaza

By Muhammad Sheikh Yusuf

ISTANBUL (AA) – Scores of academics and university staff in Istanbul protested on Friday against the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

The protest took place in front of Istanbul University and was organized by the Academics and Authors Association of Islamic Countries, the Jihan al-Ummah Solidarity and Cooperation Association, and Egitim-Bir-Sen, a teachers' union.

The protesters wore their academic dresses and held banners that read "Israel is a killer" and "The West's stance is double standard."

They also chanted slogans like "Free Palestine, Free Gaza."

Protests and marches have continued around the world since the outbreak of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7.

At least 11,500 Palestinians, including over 7,800 women and children, have been killed since then, and more than 29,200 others have been injured, according to the latest oficial figures by Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a small trickle.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.

*Writing by Ziad Aslan in Ankara