ISTANBUL

A global boycott movement against Israeli products has gained significant traction with the recent conflict in Gaza, according to activist and spokesperson for Palestine Initiative, Tulay Gokcimen.

“The oppression Israel has been inflicting on Palestine for 75 years before the massacres in Gaza was not fully described, but now everyone wants to do something as much as they can,” Gokcimen told Anadolu. “Gaza has created awareness against the Israeli occupation in people. Individual reactions have evolved into a mass movement over time.”

Gokcimen said she believes the movement can be an effective weapon to pressure Israel and end its attacks, highlighting the surge in public awareness and individual action triggered by the violence in Gaza.

She said people worldwide are refusing to buy Israeli products, fueled by a desire to stand with Palestinians.

The momentum for the group that seeks to be a voice for Palestinians has transformed into a global movement, encompassing diverse communities and religions, she said.

“They made the whole world Palestinian. Demonstrations are being held in front of food and beverage chains supporting Israel in different countries every day, raising awareness among the public,” she noted.

Gokcimen emphasized that Israel relies heavily on international trade for resources and weapons. That is why boycotting Israeli products and individuals can disrupt the financial system and put pressure on Israel.

“If I don't buy, if you don't buy, this financial system won't run,” said Gokcimen.

She pointed to instances where companies supporting Israel faced losses due to the boycott.

“All the bombs and weapons that Israel uses to attack our brothers and sisters are actually produced with the money coming from trade in other countries. People cannot stop those who make the bombs, but they do not buy Israeli products to avoid contributing to this financial system,” she said.

Gokcimen added that the boycott has also led to a shift in consumer preferences by noting the rise of Turkish products as popular alternatives and demonstrating the potential for an economic effect.

While individual boycotts are crucial, Gokcimen stressed the importance of collective action by citing historical examples of successful boycotts, encouraging everyone to participate, regardless of individual power.

“Being on the side of the oppressed is also part of the boycott,” she said.

Gokcimen argued that weakening Israel's economic power is essential to ending its occupation, urging consumers to prioritize ethical choices and avoid contributing to the financial system that fuels violence.

Beyond the economic effect, Gokcimen emphasized the moral responsibility of boycotting by viewing it as a stand against oppression and a commitment to supporting oppressed Palestinians.

“Conscientious individuals do not have the luxury to say: 'What do I care, boycott doesn't work.' Today, Israel manages a large economy to be able to kill children. It buys bombs from the US, UK, and other countries,” she said.

Gokcimen had a powerful message where she urged people to take action and avoid indifference.

She highlighted the tragic human cost of the conflict and emphasized that boycotting Israeli products is not simply a consumer choice but a moral imperative.

“There are thousands of babies in Gaza who are given death certificates without being given birth certificates. They killed, massacred, and shattered children that their mothers and fathers couldn't bear to look at,” she said.

“This issue has long ceased to be a matter of religion, language or race. As you can see, the world is shaking. Just yesterday, Jews in the US were staging a sit-in in front of the White House. If we don't eat or drink Israeli products, we won't die, but if we continue to provide them with financial support, Israel will continue its massacres in Gaza or elsewhere in Palestine. Our biggest wrongdoing would be to get used to these massacres,” she added.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul