Ashraf AboArafe
Ambassador Şen: “Alongside Egypt and our sister nations, we will never allow the Palestinian cause to be erased from the global agenda.”
CAIRO — In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Cairo, in cooperation with the Embassy of Palestine, hosted a solidarity event titled “The Gathering of Palestinian and Egyptian Families” on July 1, 2026.
The event brought together 270 families—including 220 from Palestine and 50 from Egypt—at the Ambassador’s residence. Facilitated by the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs and the Aziz Mahmoud Hüdayi Foundation, vital food and financial aid were distributed to the families in attendance.
The gathering was also attended by 120 Egyptian journalists, digital content creators, and prominent artists from both Egypt and Palestine. Infusing the evening with cultural harmony, Egyptian vocalist Alaa Ayoub moved the audience with emotional performances in both Arabic and Turkish, featuring classics from Umm Kulthum alongside the beloved Turkish song “Sağım Yalan Solum Yalan.”
A Relentless Diplomatic and Humanitarian Push
During his address, the Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, emphasized that Turkey has mobilized all available resources since the very first day of the conflict to amplify the voices of the Palestinian people on the world stage.
“Turkey played a pivotal role in the peace framework signed in Sharm El-Sheikh on October 13, 2025, alongside Egypt, the United States, and Qatar. We remain fully committed to ensuring the comprehensive implementation of this peace plan in Gaza.”
— Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen
Ambassador Şen highlighted that, driven by the profound empathy of the Turkish people and the directives of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to defend the oppressed worldwide, Turkey will never allow the Palestinian cause to slip from the global spotlight. He noted that trilateral coordination between Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar as mediators is ongoing to transition into the second phase of the Gaza peace process and to compel Israel to fulfill its Phase 1 commitments.
Healing Wounds and Standing Firm
The Ambassador reiterated that Turkey’s mission, alongside brotherly nations like Egypt, is to heal the wounds of Gazans and alleviate their suffering. He asserted that Palestinians, like all people, possess the fundamental right to live freely, safely, and with dignity in their own independent state, noting that “the Palestinian cause cannot exist without its people.”
Ambassador Şen urged the Palestinian people to remain steadfast and hold onto their land. Warning against ongoing displacement strategies, he noted:
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Israel has not abandoned its plans to depopulate Gaza.
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The intentions of extremist factions within the Israeli government to impose a unilateral siege on Gaza and fracture the West Bank through illegal settlements are now universally rejected by the international community.
A Tribute to Egypt’s Compassion
Ambassador Şen praised the immense generosity of the host nation, acknowledging that the Egyptian state and its society have compassionately embraced more than 100,000 Gazans. He stressed the vital importance of providing sustained economic support to Gazans temporarily residing in Egypt, in close coordination with Egyptian authorities and institutions.
The Ambassador concluded his speech by extending his deepest respect and affection to his Egyptian and Palestinian guests, closing with a resounding chant:
“Long live Palestine! Long live Turkey! Long live Egypt!”
