Thousands of people rallied for the second night in a row on Wednesday in front of Israel’s consulate in Istanbul, denouncing the Jewish state’s policies as the Gaza Strip’s pounding continues in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly attack on Israeli territory on October 7.

Crowds also gathered outside the US consulate, whose president Joe Biden went to Tel Aviv yesterday to express support for Israel, which has come under an unprecedented attack this month.

Many protesters waved Palestinian flags, others held placards blaming Israel for the deaths of hundreds of children in the Gaza Strip.

“Close the Zionist consulate!” protestors demanded in front of the two diplomatic missions.

A crowd gathered last Tuesday night in front of the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, hours after the deadly attack on a hospital in Gaza City, for which Israel and the Palestinians blamed each other, became known.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made it clear yesterday that he does not doubt that the strike was carried out by Israel.

In the demonstration, 60 injuries were reported, mostly to police officers, after protesters tried to force open the entrance to the building where the Israeli consulate is located.

Meanwhile, the government of Turkey declared yesterday Wednesday three days of national mourning, the day after the attack on a Gaza city hospital with hundreds of dead, for which Israel and the Palestinians blamed each other.

“As a mark of respect for the thousands of martyrs, most of whom were children and innocent civilians, three days of national mourning are declared in our country,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said via X (formerly Twitter).