Schools across Türkiye’s eastern province of Ağrı have collected nearly 3 million Turkish lira through student-led charity fairs, with all proceeds earmarked for humanitarian aid to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

Governor Mustafa Koç announced the total during a visit to İbrahim Çeçen Primary School, one of 103 schools that organized fundraising events throughout October. Accompanied by Provincial Director of National Education Hasan Kökrek, the governor praised students, teachers, and parents for their solidarity.

Speaking at the school’s fair, Governor Koç condemned the violence in Gaza, stating that 60,000 innocent civilians have been killed over the past two years.

“Under the leadership of our President and as a nation, we are raising our voice in the strongest possible way against this injustice, this lawlessness, this atrocity that violates human dignity and has turned into outright genocide,” Koç said. “We condemn it and are taking every possible step to stop the oppression.”

He highlighted the symbolic power of the children’s initiative:“Our little children with big hearts have organized this fair to send help to children like themselves in Gaza and to say ‘stop’ to this cruelty. This is not just fundraising — it is a protest against the oppression and genocide, and the loudest voice of conscience, solidarity, and responsibility.”

The governor congratulated all participants and confirmed that 100% of the proceeds will be transferred to Gaza through official aid channels.

The campaign reflects widespread public support in Türkiye for Palestinian civilians, with similar school-based initiatives reported in other provinces. (ILKHA)