Türkiye has renewed its call for urgent international action to protect Palestinian children in Gaza, emphasizing that the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe has turned thousands of innocent children into victims of war, displacement, hunger, and violence.

In a message marking the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Turkish Presidency Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran drew attention to the immense suffering endured by children in conflict zones around the world, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.

Duran said that while millions of children across the globe are forced to endure the devastating consequences of armed conflicts, Palestinian children in Gaza have become symbols of one of the gravest humanitarian crises of recent times.

He noted that children in the besieged enclave are facing the combined hardships of relentless bombardment, food shortages, forced displacement, and the collapse of access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and shelter.

“On the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, we draw attention to the suffering endured by millions of children struggling to survive amid wars and conflicts in different parts of the world, particularly in Gaza and Palestine,” Duran said.

Emphasizing that children should never be made to bear the burden of war, Duran stressed that the international community has both a moral and legal responsibility to act decisively to end the suffering and ensure the protection of civilian lives.

He warned that the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza demands more than expressions of concern, calling for concrete steps to halt the violence and secure lasting peace for future generations.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, Duran stated that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ankara remains committed to defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and advocating for a just and lasting peace in Gaza.

He also paid tribute to the thousands of children who have lost their lives amid the conflict, describing their deaths as a painful reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for international action.

“On this occasion, I commemorate with mercy the children who have lost their lives and wish for a world in which all children can live in security, justice and peace,” Duran said.

His remarks come as humanitarian organizations continue to warn of the severe impact of the conflict on Gaza’s youngest residents, many of whom have been deprived of safety, stability, and basic necessities for survival.

Concluding his message, Duran expressed hope for a future in which every child, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or faith, can grow up in an environment defined by security, dignity, justice, and peace rather than conflict and fear. (ILKHA)