Turkish First Lady Calls on Melania Trump to Advocate for Children in Gaza

Fri Oct 24 2025 16:37:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan writes to Melania Trump urging support for Palestinian children suffering in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.

In a letter shared by the Turkish presidency, Mrs. Erdogan emphasized the plight of Gazan children facing malnutrition, drawing parallels to the support Mrs. Trump expressed for victims of the Ukraine crisis. This appeal highlights escalating humanitarian issues in Gaza as the region grapples with severe food shortages and ongoing violence.

Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdogan, has reached out to former U.S. First Lady Melania Trump in a heartfelt letter, asking her to raise awareness for the children suffering from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Emine Erdogan has condemned the dire conditions faced by Palestinian children, stating that Gaza has become a “children's cemetery.” She commended Mrs. Trump’s advocacy for children affected by the war in Ukraine and called for a similar outcry for children in Gaza, expressing that "we must unite our voices and strength against this injustice."

In her letter, published by the Turkish presidency, Erdogan highlighted alarming reports that indicate nearly half a million people in Gaza City are facing famine, with around 132,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition. She poignantly reflected on the tragic fate of many young lives lost, urging Mrs. Trump to use her platform to advocate for the immediate cessation of violence and humanitarian aid in the region.

Furthermore, Mrs. Erdogan suggested that Mrs. Trump appeal directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting countless families. Despite her previous focus on environmental issues, Erdogan's recent letter shows a shift towards humanitarian activism regarding the escalating violence in the region.

This request comes on the heels of a critical United Nations report that detailed the overwhelming food shortages in Gaza, warning that many individuals face catastrophic conditions. The health ministry in Gaza has reported a dramatic rise in malnutrition-related deaths, particularly among children, igniting concerns about the impact of continued military actions on the civilian population.

Israel has denied allegations of a humanitarian crisis and has criticized the reporting methods employed by the IPC, a UN body that has voiced concerns over the humanitarian reality in Gaza. Meanwhile, multiple airstrikes continue as the conflict escalates, further exacerbating an already dire situation for Gazans, many of whom have been displaced and are struggling for basic necessities.

As the international community watches, Erdogan's appeal highlights the growing urgency of addressing the humanitarian plight in Gaza, advocating for the safety and well-being of its youngest inhabitants.