Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdogan, has called on Melania Trump to speak out for children in Gaza, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis and the need for global compassion.

Erdogan highlighted that over two years of conflict have resulted in the deaths of 62,000 civilians in Gaza, including 18,000 children, and stressed the importance of showing moral and humanitarian sensitivity.

She also drew parallels between the plight of children in Gaza and those in Ukraine, asserting that all children have the right to safety, happiness, and a secure future.

Meanwhile, in Washington, additional federal law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has increased its presence amid protests and tensions over recent deployments.

In the US, former President Trump threatened to take over Washington if the mayor does not stop alleged false crime reporting, amid ongoing political tensions.

The ongoing conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages, prompting a military response from Israel.

Since then, the conflict has led to over 62,122 deaths in Gaza, widespread displacement, and the destruction of much of the territory’s infrastructure.

The UN has declared a famine in Gaza, criticizing the humanitarian situation, especially its impact on children, despite Israel's denial of famine reports.

A global hunger monitor has officially declared a famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas, with the crisis expected to worsen, and over 320,000 children under five at risk of malnutrition.

A UN-backed report states that about half a million people in Gaza face famine, with over 132,000 children threatened by severe malnutrition and many already dying from it, highlighting the dire food insecurity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the famine reports as false, asserting Israel’s efforts are aimed at preventing starvation, despite severe shortages and the ongoing conflict.

Turkey’s President Erdogan has condemned Israel for using hunger as a weapon in Gaza, comparing the situation to Nazi camps, and has supported Hamas, further straining Turkey-Israel relations.

Since the conflict began, over 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with most of the population displaced and infrastructure destroyed, deepening the humanitarian crisis.