Turkish president stresses bittersweet Eid in calls with leaders

ISTANBUL

The Islamic world is celebrating Eid al-Adha with sadness due to Israel's oppression in Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Pakistani Premier Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, the first day of the Feast of Sacrifice.

Erdogan spoke over the phone with Sharif to extend Eid greetings to him and the Pakistani people, Türkiye's Communications Directorate said on X.

Separately, in a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the Turkish leader expressed hope of “reaching Eids celebrated in peace and tranquility in the occupied Palestinian territories, where blood and tears prevail.”

Erdogan also conveyed Eid greetings to al Nahyan and his nation, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said.

In another phone call with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Erdogan underlined the significance of the "unity of the Islamic world" in these difficult times.

Conveying Eid greetings to Salman and his nation, the Turkish president also congratulated the crown prince on Riyadh's decision to host 1,000 family members of Gaza "martyrs" and injured for the pilgrimage.

In a separate phone call with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, President Erdogan expressed his wish that Eids, among the most special days for the Islamic world, be celebrated in a truly festive manner.

Erdogan also expressed his hopes that peace, happiness, and prosperity would come to the Islamic world, especially to the Palestinian territories.

"President Erdogan also congratulated his Iraqi counterpart and all the people of Iraq" on Eid al-Adha, said the directorate.

Israel has killed more than 37,300 Palestinians in Gaza since last October, and has turned much of the enclave of 2.3 million people into ruins, leaving most civilians homeless and at risk of famine.

Very limited amounts of humanitarian aid, fuel, medicines, and medical supplies are entering the territory.