22 August 2016•Update: 22 August 2016
ANKARA
Leaders from around the world Monday continued to condemn Saturday’s terrorist attack on a wedding ceremony in southeastern Turkey’s Gaziantep province that left 54 people dead.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Mustafa Akinci sent a condolence letter to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing solidarity with the Turkish people.
"I wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to those wounded in this inhumane incident where a child was mercilessly used as a suicide bomber," Akinci said.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also sent a letter of condolences to Erdogan.
“We were shocked and saddened to hear of the barbaric bombing attack in Gaziantep that took the lives of so many and injured so many more innocent people gathered to celebrate a wedding,” Rivlin said.
“We stand beside the people of Turkey at this sad time. This event once again proves how vital it is that we all unite in the fight against those who are willing to kill and maim innocent people in order to promote their own goals,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the bombing.
“Israel expresses its condolences to the families of the victims in the city Gaziantep and Turkey, and sends its best wishes to the injured,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said.
“To defeat terrorism, the international community must join forces and fight it with strength and determination,” the statement added.
Head of the Syrian interim government, Jawad Abu Hatab also condemned the "vile terror attack."
"We wish God’s mercy upon our brothers and sisters who lost their lives, a speedy recovery to the wounded and wish patience and convey our condolences to the people of Turkey," Hatab said in a statement.
The attack took place in Beybahce neighborhood of the Gaziantep province’s Sahinbey district at around 10.50 p.m. (1950GMT) on Saturday, according to the Gaziantep Governor's Office.
There has been no claim of responsibility, but Erdogan said early signs point to Daesh's involvement in the attack.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul Sunday, Erdogan said a suicide bomber aged between 12 and 14 was involved in the attack, adding the bomber either blew himself up or was remotely detonated.
*Anees Barghouthi contributed to this story from Jerusalem.
