Turkey does not abandon Gaza, where the terrorist state Israel has been committing genocide for over two years. Turkey, which is the voice of Gaza on international platforms, continues its aid efforts for thousands of Palestinians struggling to survive under difficult conditions.
In the Gaza Strip, under the shadow of Israel's attacks and severe humanitarian conditions, the 'Umut Pınarları 2026' summer camps, aiming to reach around 8,000 children with Turkey's support, began the day before yesterday.
The opening of the camps, organized by the Gaza Higher Council for Youth and Sports under the patronage of the Council's Deputy Secretary-General Abdusselam Heniye, took place at the Nuseirat Services Club in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
At the opening ceremony, children gathered in front of a poster featuring a photo of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkish and Palestinian flags, carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags in their hands.
60 CAMPS OPENED
The program, attended by children from different age groups, included religious chants, Palestinian folk dance (dabke) performances, karate and circus shows, and various entertainment activities.
The program aims to offer a safe social environment, psychosocial support, and to foster the development of children living under harsh humanitarian conditions caused by Israel's ongoing attacks, through cultural, sports and educational activities.
Gassan Muhaysin, Head of the Public Relations Department at the Gaza Higher Council for Youth and Sports, said, "Despite the death and destruction left behind by Israel, we want to bring smiles to our children's faces." Muhaysin stated that a total of 60 summer camps have been opened.
A CHALLENGE
Abdurrahman Tafiş, who serves as the camp coordinator, said that organizing the summer camps under the current conditions is "a great challenge."
Tafiş noted that despite all these adversities, the camps will begin their activities in the northern regions next week as well. Ismail Ahmed al-Mufti, one of the children attending the camp, said, "We have the right to be happy and to play. We thank the Turkish people who continue to stand by Gaza and its children."
