Eid al-Adha Celebrated with Sadness Amid Gaza Conflict: Erdogan

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: The Islamic world is marking Eid al-Adha with a heavy heart due to the ongoing oppression in Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Pakistani Premier Shehbaz Sharif on the first day of the Feast of Sacrifice. During a phone call, Erdogan extended his Eid greetings to Sharif and the Pakistani people, according to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate shared on X on Sunday.

In a separate conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Erdogan expressed hope for future Eids to be celebrated in peace and tranquillity in the Palestinian territories, where conflict has caused much suffering. Erdogan conveyed his Eid greetings to al Nahyan and the people of the UAE during this call.

Erdogan also held a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he emphasized the importance of unity within the Islamic world during these challenging times. He congratulated the crown prince on Saudi Arabia’s decision to host 1,000 family members of Gaza’s “martyrs” and injured for the pilgrimage, and extended Eid greetings to Salman and the Saudi nation.

In another call with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Erdogan wished for Eids to be celebrated in a truly festive manner across the Islamic world, particularly in the Palestinian territories. He also extended his Eid greetings to Rashid and the people of Iraq.

The backdrop of these communications is the severe crisis in Gaza, where Israeli actions since last October have resulted in over 37,300 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation, leaving the majority of the 2.3 million inhabitants homeless and at risk of famine. The flow of humanitarian aid, including fuel, medicines, and medical supplies, remains critically limited.

President Erdogan expressed his hopes for peace, happiness, and prosperity to return to the Islamic world, especially in the beleaguered Palestinian territories.