ANKARA

Azerbaijan’s first lady Mehriban Aliyeva on Wednesday said that it is “very sad” that civilians, particularly women and children, are the ones who suffer the most from the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.

Emine Erdogan hosted the summit "United for Peace in Palestine" with other first spouses from around the world in Istanbul as part of Ankara's efforts to end the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.

“It is necessary to observe international humanitarian law during military operations. I offer my condolences to the relatives of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Aliyeva said in a video message sent to the “United for Peace in Palestine” meeting of first ladies held in Istanbul.

She also appreciated Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan’s efforts in the humanitarian and social fields, including her contribution to the provision of assistance to civilians, women, and children suffering from military conflicts.

“At the end of my address, I would like to emphasize that even in the most difficult moments, humanity should not lose its sense of compassion. Therefore, I once again express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Erdogan for organizing this important event,” she added.

She said Türkiye has made a significant contribution to ensuring stability and security in the region.

“Brotherly Türkiye always stands by peace and justice and makes an important contribution to ensuring stability and security in the region and the world. The Azerbaijan-Türkiye brotherhood and unity are at their highest level today,” Aliyeva added.

Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital is solution, says Pakistani Premier's wife

The permanent solution to the Palestine issue requires "the establishment of a Palestinian state," said Sadia Rahmetullah, the wife of the interim Prime Minister of Pakistan, on Wednesday.

As part of the "United for Peace in Palestine" meeting of first ladies in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul, Rahmetullah said that the Israel-Palestine issue has been ongoing for decades, underscoring the right of people facing such situations to "determine their own destiny."

Rahmetullah drew attention to their refusal to support any form of exploitation, stating, "The concentration of power in a single hand can only be temporary; it cannot last forever."

"Looking at the international arena today, some things may seem impossible, but history will always reward justice," she said.

"A permanent solution to the Palestine issue requires the establishment of a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

Highlighting the need for an unconditional humanitarian corridor, Rahmetullah expressed gratitude to Emine Erdogan for her efforts.

Libyan PM's wife: Palestine excluded from human rights declaration

Palestine and its people "are not included" in the international human rights declaration, said the wife of the Prime Minister of Libya, Amina Ali Mohammed Al-Shawush Al-Dilaw, on Wednesday.

As part of the "United for Peace in Palestine" meeting of first ladies in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul, Al-Dilaw emphasized the full support of her country for the Palestinian cause, stating, "The first article of the Declaration of Human Rights expresses that all individuals are born free and equal in rights.

"Likewise, Article 3 states that every individual has the right to life and peace. However, today, we have all witnessed an exception within the International Declaration of Human Rights. We have seen and observed that Palestine and the Palestinian people are not included in this declaration. This has been the case not just today but for years," she added.

Al-Dilaw pointed out that civilian people are being indiscriminately killed with military weapons, indicating a complete humanitarian crime and catastrophe in Gaza.

Stressing the unprecedented double standard witnessed in the silence of the entire world in the face of these events, she stated that all countries in the world should take action to stop the massacre.

‘We are witnessing genocide,’ says Venezuelan first lady for Gaza Strip

The world is witnessing a "genocide" in the Gaza Strip, Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores said on Wednesday.

As part of the "United for Peace in Palestine" meeting of first ladies in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul, Flores said: "We are witnessing genocide."

Noting that the situation in the Gaza Strip was "unprecedented," she said the city is under siege and has been bombarded by air and ground by Israel.

"We see the victims in Gaza. We see the death of children, women, the elderly, and civilians. We see civilian victims coming out of their destroyed homes but unable to leave the city because they are in an open-air prison," she added.

She said women should lead resistance movements against all acts of violence, especially the genocide that continues to be committed against Gaza and the entire Palestinian people.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 40th day, at least 11,320 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,800 women and children, and more than 29,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures from 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 since last month.

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