Ashraf AboArafe
AMBASSADOR Salih Mutlu Şen welcomed 200 Palestinian families from Gaza and 50 Egyptian host families to the Turkish residence in Cairo on August 26, bringing communities together in a spirit of brotherhood and shared compassion. Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the State of Palestine, the gathering provided direct financial and food assistance to the families through contributions from the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs and the Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Foundation.
Recognizing Courage and Advocacy
The event brought together prominent media figures, content creators, and community leaders, highlighted by the presence of Egyptian National Team Head Coach Hossam Hassan.
Ambassador Şen presented Hassan with an honorary shield, recognizing both his legendary sporting achievements—notably leading the national team with fearlessness against world champions—and his steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. Ambassador Şen noted that Hassan’s advocacy mirrors the authentic solidarity carried in the hearts of the Egyptian people.
The gathering also observed a moment of solemn remembrance for the late Palestinian Ambassador Diab Allouh following his recent passing.
Diplomatic Alignment and Relief Efforts
In his address, Ambassador Şen outlined joint efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and secure lasting peace across the region:
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Trilateral Coordination: Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar are maintaining close strategic alignment to advance peace negotiations, push for a permanent ceasefire, and secure a full withdrawal of forces from Gaza.
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Firm Rejection of Displacement: Emphasizing that forced displacement remains an absolute “red line” for both Türkiye and Egypt, Ambassador Şen called on the international community to counter policies that worsen Gaza’s living conditions.
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Appreciation for Egypt’s Humanitarian Role: Şen commended Egypt for providing sanctuary to over 100,000 Gazans—including tens of thousands of injured individuals—and facilitating crucial logistical routes for international aid.
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Direct Field Relief: Following a joint inspection tour of El-Arish and the Rafah border crossing with Turkish Red Crescent President Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, Türkiye confirmed its position as a top provider of relief cargo to Gaza, enabled by direct Egyptian cooperation.
Ambassador Şen reaffirmed that the Turkish Embassy in Cairo will continue working alongside Egyptian and Palestinian partners until peace and stability are fully restored, closing his address with the rallying cry: “Long live Türkiye, long live Egypt, long live Palestine.”
