NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- The magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 quakes that struck Turkey, Kurdistan and Syria on February 6, 2023 caused destruction in many cities in Turkey such as Amed (Diyarbakır), Dilok (Antep), Meletî (Malatya), Riha (Urfa), Semsur (Adıyaman), Hatay, Kilis, Adana and Osmaniye and in many cities of North and East Syria. The earthquakes have killed and injured tens of thousands of people and thousands of people are still under the collapsed buildings.

Call for solidarity

Feminist activist Nisreen Abu Amra said, “The situation in both countries is very bad, many people have been badly affected by the earthquakes that have displaced many families. We heard that there are still many people in rubble due to the late search and rescue efforts. We call for solidarity to meet the basic needs of earthquake survivors.” Emphasizing that the earthquake survivors need an urgent international solidarity, she said, “We, as Palestinian women, are in solidarity with the earthquake victims.”

She is in touch with aid groups

Palestinian political activist Kamel Hamad is in touch with aid organizations and groups in order to be in solidarity with the earthquake victims in Syria. “The women in Syria have been suffering from occupation, siege and conflicts for years. The suffering of women in Syria has doubled after the earthquake. I feel sad for the situation they are in now,” she said.

Areej Al-Ashqar from the Union of Women’s Work Committees in Gaza spoke about the effects of the earthquakes on women and children and said, “Women are the symbol of sacrifice. They will play a crucial role in overcoming this situation.”