Diyar Guldogan
18 October 2023•Update: 18 October 2023
ANKARA
Türkiye will continue to extend a helping hand to the people of Gaza, first lady Emine Erdogan said Wednesday.
"'Not only are innocent civilians, including women and children, losing their lives in Gaza, but the very conscience and compassion of all humanity are also perishing in Gaza!,' Erdogan wrote on X. "In 2009, we gathered in İstanbul with the First Ladies and Gentlemen for the ‘Women for Peace in Palestine Meeting’ and appealed to the world for the innocent lives lost. Those days were also full of grief and tears, and we were witnessing a great human tragedy in the midst of suffering.”
Her remarks came one day after an Israeli attack on a hospital in the Gaza Strip which killed hundreds, including women and children.
"As Türkiye, we stood up to the oppressor and cried ‘peace!’ to the rest of the world. Once again, we are in the same place. I appeal to humanity watching this oppression from afar: kites should soar over Gaza, not bombs!,” said Erdogan. "Children's laughter should be heard, not their screams of pain! The skies should be full of clouds, not smoke!"
Türkiye, "as the voice of the oppressed and innocent", will continue to extend its helping hand to the people of Gaza, she said.
"I call on the international community to take concrete steps, and I hope there will be no more bloodshed," said Erdogan.
At least 471 people were killed and 342 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.
Gaza is already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.
The conflict began Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.
Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
