Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan has written to U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, urging her to raise the plight of children in Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, authorities in Ankara confirmed Saturday.
In her letter, Erdogan said she was inspired by Melania’s recent appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding children affected by the Ukraine conflict. She expressed hope that the same compassion shown for Ukrainian children would extend to Gaza.
“These days, when the world is experiencing a collective awakening and the recognition of Palestine has become a global will, I believe your call on behalf of Gaza would fulfil a historic responsibility toward the Palestinian people,” Erdogan wrote.
The appeal comes as a global hunger monitor declared that Gaza City and surrounding areas are facing famine, a crisis that is expected to spread without urgent aid access. Netanyahu rejected the report as “an outright lie,” insisting Israel does not seek to cause starvation.
The war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage, has since led to the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The White House has not yet commented on Erdogan’s letter.
In her letter, Erdogan said she was inspired by Melania’s recent appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding children affected by the Ukraine conflict. She expressed hope that the same compassion shown for Ukrainian children would extend to Gaza.
“These days, when the world is experiencing a collective awakening and the recognition of Palestine has become a global will, I believe your call on behalf of Gaza would fulfil a historic responsibility toward the Palestinian people,” Erdogan wrote.
The appeal comes as a global hunger monitor declared that Gaza City and surrounding areas are facing famine, a crisis that is expected to spread without urgent aid access. Netanyahu rejected the report as “an outright lie,” insisting Israel does not seek to cause starvation.
The war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage, has since led to the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The White House has not yet commented on Erdogan’s letter.
