ANKARA 

Türkiye's global news agency Anadolu on Wednesday planted a tree in solidarity with the people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

On the occasion of National Tree Planting Day, celebrated annually since 2019, on Nov. 11, Anadolu President & CEO Serdar Karagoz planted a blue spruce tree at the garden of the news agency headquarters in Ankara, the Turkish capital, three days before the scheduled time to express solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Joining the event with Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev, Karagoz said at the event that trees are also symbols of freedom and independence, adding, "May this blue spruce tree we've planted serve as a symbol for both Türkiye's independence and freedoms."

"Unfortunately, today, we plant this tree in an environment where more than 2 million people in Gaza are trapped, oppressed, and living in captivity. There, people are struggling to survive under the threat of bombs.

"We plant this tree also for our brothers and sisters in Gaza for their liberation from this occupation and captivity and for an independent Palestinian state. I hope that along with this tree, the state of Palestine will also grow."

Recalling that a plane tree was planted last year in the hope that Anadolu would live for many years, Karagoz said, "I would like to dedicate the spruce tree planted this year to our brothers and sisters in Palestine."

Anadolu images to serve as evidence of war crimes in Gaza

Noting that Anadolu is monitoring the ongoing conflict in Gaza with 63 reporters on the ground, Karagoz underlined that there is essentially an Israeli problem in the region and this problem must be resolved in order for the Middle East to achieve peace and tranquility.

As journalists, he added, they are concerned about the safety of civilians, children, human rights, and international law.

Anadolu also documents the war crimes committed in Gaza, emphasizing that each of these records will be used as evidence and documentation in the future.

"I believe it is important that this trial begin as soon as possible on the international stage. This may happen in 1, 5, 10, or even 20 years, but there will definitely be an international trial.

"The images captured by our journalists, who have lost their families, continue their duties under threat to their lives, and work in very difficult conditions, will be used as evidence when this trial takes place. This is a highly significant situation for us," he added.

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General, Kiril Valchev said: "This tree is a symbol of peace," in reference to the planted spruce tree.