Despite the ceasefire, attacks by the apartheid regime continue in Gaza, where the occupying Israeli forces have carried out genocide for two years. With the onset of colder weather, conditions in Gaza have become even more difficult. Gazans need support in many areas, from food and shelter to healthcare and access to water.

More than 300 shopkeepers in Sarıyer have launched a meaningful aid campaign, refusing to remain indifferent to the oppression in Gaza. Organized under the leadership of the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, the campaign will see participating shopkeepers donate one day’s income to Gaza. The event, titled “My Earnings Turn into Goodness in Gaza,” includes shopkeepers from the İstinye, Pınar, Ferahevler and Yeniköy neighborhoods. Citizens are also showing great interest in the campaign, supporting it through their purchases.

“With the cold weather, conditions in Gaza have worsened”

A press statement was made by shopkeepers and foundation representatives in front of the Ahmet Şemsettin Efendi Fountain in İstinye. Before the statement, a recitation from the Qur’an was performed. After the recitation, Yasin Çalışkan, a member of the IHH Sarıyer District Executive Board, read the press statement, noting that more than 70,000 Palestinians had been martyred in the genocide committed by Israel before the eyes of the entire world, and that thousands of people were still under the rubble. He said: “Since the signing of the ceasefire, Israel—which has not abided by the agreement—has carried out direct attacks in the Gaza Strip, killing 245 people and injuring 627. In the attacks in which Israel used nearly 150,000 tons of explosives, it left almost no stone unturned, with 268,000 homes completely destroyed and more than 300,000 partially damaged and rendered uninhabitable. With the approach of winter and the cold weather, living conditions in Gaza have become even more difficult.”

“Children in Gaza sleep in tents without dry clothing or beds”

Çalışkan stated that Gazans face attacks in makeshift tents that are flooded and damaged: “Due to Israeli restrictions, Gazans often cannot access humanitarian aid. The tents in which Palestinians have sought shelter collapsed under the first winter storms and heavy rainfall; some were torn, others filled with rainwater, leaving families exposed. Families are squeezed into areas behind the ‘yellow line’ imposed by Israel. The pressure and attacks by the Zionists make conditions more difficult by the hour. UNICEF’s statement is as follows: ‘Children in Gaza are sleeping in tents without dry clothing and beds.’”

“What are the states waiting for to end Zionist oppression?”

The statement continued: “Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel continues its attacks, violating the terms. In the face of so much pain and oppression, what are states and international organizations waiting for to take action to end the Zionist persecution in Gaza? How much longer will Islamic countries, which have great military, economic and diplomatic power, evade their responsibilities? According to United Nations Reports, $70 billion is needed to remove the massive destruction caused by the attacks and rebuild Gaza. To rebuild Gaza and meet basic needs, each of us must provide all the support we can to our brothers and sisters in Gaza.”

“We have supported our brothers and sisters in many different areas”

Çalışkan noted that the IHH has long been providing humanitarian aid to Gaza: “After October 7, we intensified our efforts. With the support of our donors, we provided hot meals, bread, food packages, medical supplies, tents, blankets, and surgical assistance to our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Our work continues without interruption.”

“We thank our shopkeepers”

Thanking the shopkeepers involved in the campaign, Çalışkan said: “We have gathered here today for a meaningful cause. More than 300 of our shopkeepers operating in the İstinye, Pınar, Ferahevler and Yeniköy neighborhoods of Sarıyer have decided to donate today’s earnings to Gaza. With the event ‘My Earnings Turn into Goodness in Gaza,’ our shopkeepers are taking on an important responsibility and creating social awareness by donating their income. Our shopkeepers, who act together for this important purpose, hope that this initiative will spread throughout Turkey and turn into a larger aid mobilization. We thank all our participating shopkeepers for this meaningful event.”

The press statement ended with prayers for Gaza and oppressed regions around the world.