Turkish Amb.: Entire Islamic World, Stand with Gaza

Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Sin, emphasized during an Eid al-Adha celebration attended by hundreds of Palestinian and Egyptian families that the hearts and minds of the entire Islamic world, particularly Turkey and Egypt, are with Gaza.

Ambassador Sin stated that, unfortunately, in Gaza, families cannot visit each other, children cannot see their elders, nor can people slaughter sacrificial animals together to thank God.

"This year, we wanted to celebrate Eid al-Adha by hosting around 1,500 Palestinians in the garden of our embassy because, unfortunately, we enter this holiday while the war and bloodshed in Gaza continue," he said.

He highlighted that holidays are times of cooperation, sharing, celebration, and love. However, in Gaza, homes have been destroyed, children have been killed or injured, and the elderly have been weakened.

"Far from having sacrificial meat, people in Gaza feel fortunate if they have bread, food, and clean drinking water," he added.

Ambassador Sin noted that the entire Islamic world, especially Turkey and Egypt, stands with Gaza. As a small expression of solidarity, the embassy hosted thousands of Palestinians who came to Egypt, as well as Egyptian families, in the embassy garden to bring some joy to the children.

He highlighted that Turkish civil society is deeply concerned about Gaza and eager to help. Turkish NGOs have long cooperated with the Egyptian Red Crescent, sending hundreds of relief trucks to Gaza.

One such organization is the Fatah Association, which, in collaboration with the Turkish embassy, slaughtered nine sacrificial animals and shared the meat with their brothers from Gaza. This act of support is part of the assistance from the Turkish people who donate to the Fatah Association and other NGOs.

Ambassador Sin prayed that their help is accepted by God and fruitful. "Our only desire is for the war and bloodshed in Gaza to stop as soon as possible, for children to run joyfully during holidays, and for them to live their lives in a healthy and safe environment in their homeland."

He concluded by expressing hope that a strong UN Security Council resolution will soon lead to a permanent ceasefire, effective and adequate humanitarian aid, and the protection of Palestinians on their land under an independent, free, and dignified Palestinian state. He affirmed that Turkey, Egypt, and the entire Islamic world will continue to make every effort and sacrifice to support Palestine and the Palestinian people in both humanitarian and political fields.