JOHANNESBURG

A prominent pro-Palestinian activist in South Africa Tuesday praised Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian cause as he voted in Anadolu’s Photos of the Year contest.

Iqbal Jassat, an executive member of South Africa-based advocacy group Media Review Network (MRN) voted for a photo, titled Support to Palestine, by Murat Kula.

The photo shows citizens gathering as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the “Great Palestine Rally” organized at Ataturk Airport on Oct. 28, 2023.

“This pic is a powerful statement of solidarity for Palestine. It also depicts global outrage against the barbaric slaughter of innocent civilians, women, children and the old, infirm as well as health workers. The message conveyed at the "Great Palestine Rally" is an echo of similar rallies and protests across the globe. It captures it as #NoToGenocide," Jassat told Anadolu in an interview.

The activist also praised Türkiye for its consistent support for Palestine’s quest for self-determination.

“There is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of Türkiye's population is fully committed to Palestine's freedom struggle,” Jassat said, adding: “Protests across Istanbul and other parts of Türkiye indicate the level of outrage against the Israeli regime and its occupation and oppression of Palestinians.”

Jassat, who is among the top advocates for Palestine’s freedom, said: “The massive turnout at the ‘Great Palestine Rally’ attests to it.”

“The hope is that the leverage possessed by Türkiye at the International level, be used in more effective ways to overcome Israel's ongoing genocide – both in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank,” he said.