Gaza's children light candles in solidarity with victims of Turkey-Syria earthquake

On Wednesday night, dozens of Palestinian children lit candles in the besieged coastal enclave in solidarity with the victims of the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Under the title of "Our Hearts Are with You," Gazze Destek Organization, a Gaza-based non-government institution held a solidarity vigil at the seaport to express condolences to the victims and their families.

The children carried Palestinian, Turkish and Syrian flags and banners that said, "Our hearts are with you," "We are one people" and "Palestine is with you."

"Our feelings are with all children in both Turkey and Syria (…) We wish they can restore their safety and normal lives soon," Abdul Qadir Jarada, a 14-year-old boy at the vigil, said to The New Arab. 

"It is the time for all humanity around the world to support each other despite political conflicts. We came to the life to live in peace, love and security," he added. 

Camelia Hady, a 12-year-old girl, also took part to offer her condolences to the victims of the devastating earthquake.  "We can imagine the children's fears and sadness because we were subjected to dozens of Israeli wars in Gaza," she said. 

"We are here to call out all the world to support the victims in Syria and Turkey and help them rebuild as soon as possible," she added. 

On 6 February, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, killing at least 50,000 people, wounding thousands more and collapsing hundreds of thousands of homes in both countries.

"In Gaza, we are here to express our solidarity with the Turkish and Syrian peoples," said Hani Abu Thuraya, director of the Gazze Destek Organization, to TNA.