Erdogan: We will not forget the children of Gaza and will defend their cause under all circumstances

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, stressing that Turkey will not abandon the children of Gaza and will continue to defend their rights in all forums. This came in a speech he gave on the occasion of the opening of the academic year, where he saluted the students of Gaza and described what is happening as a 'genocide machine', praying for the souls of more than 74,000 martyrs.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his country's steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and the people of the Gaza Strip, stressing that Turkey will not abandon the children of Gaza and will continue to defend their legitimate rights in all forums and at all stages. This came during a speech delivered by Erdogan on Tuesday at the presidential complex in the capital Ankara, on the occasion of the opening of the 2026-2027 academic year, where the event included a musical performance titled 'Those We Forgot on the Other Bank of the Euphrates' dedicated to the children of the Strip. Erdogan paid tribute to the students of Gaza, saying that over the past three years they have lost their families and relatives, and the 'genocide machine' destroyed their homes, universities, and schools without breaking their will. He affirmed that Turkey will remain a support for the oppressed, stressing: 'Even if the barbarians wearing the mask of civilization forget these children, we will never forget them.' He also prayed for the souls of more than 74,000 martyrs, the majority of whom were women and children, who fell as a result of the Israeli aggression. The article conveys Erdogan's statements verbatim without analysis or commentary from the author.