Israeli Foreign Ministry condemns Istanbul mall protest against dual

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a formal condemnation following protests in an Istanbul shopping mall that resulted in the evacuation of the premises and the removal of Klodya Medina, a dual Israeli-Turkish national alleged to have served in the Israeli military. Officials described the demonstration as "shameful and unacceptable," marking the first official response from Jerusalem to the incident.

Protesters demand exit from mall

Members of the Palestine Freedom Vigil Platform gathered at the venue to express opposition to attacks on Gaza. The group chanted slogans including "We don't want Zionists in my country" and "Go back," demanding that Medina leave the building immediately.

Tensions escalated rapidly within the commercial complex. As the crowd continued its vocal objections, authorities ordered the evacuation of the shopping center. Medina was subsequently escorted out of the facility by security personnel and bodyguards while bystanders recorded the confrontation on mobile devices.

Ministry accuses Ankara of aiding Hamas

In a statement posted to social media, the Israeli Foreign Ministry did not limit its criticism to the protest itself but directed accusations at the Turkish government. The ministry claimed that Turkey provides support to Hamas members.

Officials characterized the event as verbal harassment against an Israeli and Turkish citizen. The ministry reiterated its stance that the treatment of Medina constituted an unacceptable breach of conduct, linking the local incident to broader geopolitical grievances regarding Ankara’s policies.

Legal complaint filed prior to incident

Before the mall confrontation, legal actions had already been initiated against Medina. On October 16, the October 7 Movement submitted a criminal complaint to the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office.

The filing alleged that Medina facilitated health tourism for Israeli military personnel, providing them with medical services and accommodation in Turkey. It further claimed that her children serve in the Israeli army. These allegations formed the backdrop for the public outcry witnessed at the shopping center.