Turkish first lady urges people to join global call for Palestine

WASHINGTON

Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan urged people on Friday to join the global "United for Peace in Palestine" campaign while posting statements in three languages.

"We, the First Ladies and representatives of countries from all across the globe, joined our voices together in solidarity during the "United for Peace in Palestine First Ladies Summit” in Istanbul.

"We call on the international community to take action to ensure the immediate securing of a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid. We urge each and every conscientious person to join our global call. #OneHeartPalestine," Erdogan wrote on X.

Erdogan shared a joint statement from the summit in Turkish, English and Arabic.

She hosted the summit with first spouses from around the world in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul as part of Ankara’s efforts to end the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

"Compassion and suffering transcend race, religion, and language. We, as the spouses of leaders and representatives of nations, stand with Palestine today so as not to leave future generations with a legacy beset with irreparable wounds.

"I hope that our joint call to the international community to establish a permanent and just peace in Palestine will give strength to those who are unable to speak the truth," she said.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered day 42, Türkiye has been unwavering in its support for Palestine.

Since Israel started bombarding Gaza on Oct. 7, more than 12,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 8,300 women and children, and more than 30,000 others have been injured,

according to the latest official figures by Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a small trickle.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.