Turkey's First Lady Writes To Melania Trump, Urges Her To Speak Out For Children In Gaza

Last Updated:August 23, 2025, 20:57 IST

The appeal comes as a global hunger monitor officially declared famine in Gaza City and nearby areas.

Emine Erdogan (Image: X/@EmineErdogan); Melania Trump (R) (AP photo)

Emine Erdogan, the First Lady of Turkey, has written to Melania Trump, urging her to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the suffering of children in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported, citing Turkish authorites.

In her letter, dated Friday and published by the Turkish presidency, Emine Erdogan said she was moved by the US First Lady’s recent letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin about children affected by the war in Ukraine.

“I have faith that the important sensitivity you have shown for the 648 Ukrainian children … will be extended to Gaza as well," Emine wrote.

Emine Erdogan called on Melania to use her influence to raise awareness, saying such a gesture would be a “historic responsibility toward the Palestinian people," especially now, when global recognition of Palestine is growing.

“These days, when the world is experiencing a collective awakening and the recognition of Palestine has become a global will. I believe that your call on behalf of Gaza would fulfil a historic responsibility toward the Palestinian people," Emine Erdogan’s letter added.

The White House has not responded to the letter so far.

The appeal comes as a global hunger monitor officially declared famine in Gaza City and nearby areas. The crisis is expected to worsen, increasing pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the famine report, calling it an “outright lie" and insisting that Israel is working to prevent, not cause, starvation.

The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, Gaza’s health authorities report that over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military operations in the region.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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First Published:

August 23, 2025, 20:55 IST

News world Turkey's First Lady Writes To Melania Trump, Urges Her To Speak Out For Children In Gaza

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