Gaza is World’s Largest Orphanage, Children’s Graveyard,” Says Emine Erdogan
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: On Protective Families’ Day, Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdogan delivered a poignant address highlighting the devastating plight of children in Gaza, describing it as “the world’s largest orphanage above ground and a graveyard for children below.” She denounced the ongoing attacks by Israel and called for urgent international solidarity to protect and support vulnerable populations.
Erdogan expressed deep concern over the dire conditions faced by children in Gaza, where at least 17,000 have been left without families and lack safe havens. She emphasized the grim reality that 4,000 children are reportedly trapped under rubble or missing due to the conflict.
“In various parts of the world, children are living under terrible conditions, struggling to survive without the nurturing environment they deserve,” Erdogan stated, highlighting the profound scars left on Palestinian children who have endured atrocities that defy moral justification.
According to local health officials, the toll from the ongoing Israeli assault since 7 October includes at least 37,900 Palestinians killed, with the majority being women and children, and 87,060 injured. Gaza, devastated by months of bombardment, remains in ruins amidst severe shortages of essential supplies under a stifling blockade.
Emine Erdogan’s impassioned plea underscores the urgent need for concerted international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and bring enduring peace to the region.
