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Bilal Erdogan, deputy chairman of the board of trustees at Ibn Haldun University, told a Palestine solidarity breakfast in London on October 10-11 that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe despite the ceasefire. The event opened the second day of the London Halal Forum, organized by the Halal360 Platform and attended by Palestinian Ambassador to London Husam Zomlot and other guests.

Erdogan said solidarity actions were held in London and across Turkey during the week, with more planned for January 1, recalling a Palestine march on Istanbul's Galata Bridge last year that drew half a million participants. He also described a platform of civil society groups formed in October 2023 that meets monthly, saying organizers have identified 65,000 orphans in need of monthly financial support in Gaza.

He said aid shipments from Turkey or bearing a 'Made in Turkey' label are being blocked from entering Gaza, and that fewer than 200 trucks a day arrived in September, compared with the 600 trucks envisaged in the ceasefire agreement. While acknowledging trade bans on Israeli settlements by the UK and some Western countries, he urged continued pressure, and voiced hope that future gatherings could be held in Jerusalem.

Key Takeaways

• Bilal Erdogan said the Gaza humanitarian situation remains grave despite the ceasefire, with daily aid below agreed levels.
• Some 65,000 orphans in Gaza have been identified for monthly financial assistance through a civil society platform.
• Aid from Turkey or labeled 'Made in Turkey' is being prevented from entering Gaza, according to Erdogan.