Emine Erdogan Petitions Melania Trump Regarding Children in Gaza

In the midst of the ongoing Gaza conflict, Emine Erdogan, the wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has made a heartfelt appeal to US First Lady Melania Trump to advocate for the children in Gaza.

The appeal comes as the Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry reports that at least 62,622 people have been killed since the war began, including those missing and now confirmed dead. Among these fatalities, thousands are children. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports 18,430 minors among total fatalities as of late July 2025, though this figure includes all minors, not only children. Hospital records from August 30, 2025, cited 124 child deaths from hunger and malnutrition, with 3 child deaths reported in the last 24 hours due to these causes alone.

These numbers are difficult to verify independently, but UN Office for Operations Chief, Jorge Moreira da Silva, has stated that approximately 18,000 to 20,000 children have been killed since the conflict began.

The conflict started after Israel launched its Gaza operation following Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2025, which killed some 1,200 people. The UN states that the majority of civilians killed in the conflict have been women and children.

In her appeal, Emine Erdogan expressed her hope that Melania Trump would extend her compassion shown for Ukrainian children to those in Gaza. She believes that Melania Trump's call on behalf of Gaza would fulfill a historic responsibility towards the Palestinian people.

Emine Erdogan has asked Melania Trump to write to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appealing for measures to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a similar vein, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed a letter from his wife to Trump, thanking Melania Trump for the letter she wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to consider the children impacted by the conflict and bring an end to the war.

However, the White House did not immediately respond to Emine Erdogan's appeal. It is unclear whether Melania Trump will respond or take any action in response to the appeal.

It is important to note that Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, Israel, and Germany. This classification adds a complex layer to the ongoing conflict and the appeals for intervention.

As the conflict continues, the plight of children in Gaza remains a pressing concern for many around the world. The hope is that voices like Emine Erdogan's and Melania Trump's will help bring attention to this issue and encourage action to alleviate the suffering of these innocent lives.