Istanbul: The seventh Traditional Sports Festival, organized by the World Traditional Sports Federation, began last night in Istanbul with the participation of 35 countries to commemorate the children of Gaza who lost their lives as a result of the genocidal war perpetrated by Israeli forces. The four-day festival, held at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, included a variety of performances in sports, traditional games, traditional arts, performing arts, and photo exhibitions documenting the crimes of the Zionist enemy.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a space was allocated within the solidarity tent to highlight the suffering of the Palestinian people and shed light on the tragedy of the children of Gaza. In the solidarity tent, symbolic games representing the children of Gaza who lost their lives in the war were displayed, and banners supporting the Palestinian people’s struggle were raised.

Oil paintings inspired by the Palestinian cause were also presented, and a watermelon, representing the map of Palestine, was featured in the center of the solidarity tent. A blood-stained journalist’s jacket was also displayed, commemorating the journalists who lost their lives as a result of the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Film director Tulay Gokcemen said the goal of these activities was to remind visitors of the daily suffering that Gaza’s children endure under the siege and brutal Israeli attacks. She added, “We wanted to tell visitors: If these children hadn’t been killed by the Israeli occupation, they would be playing with these toys and sharing the atmosphere of this festival with you.”

She further commented, “We notice that children demonstrate a deep awareness of what is happening in Palestine and are practicing the boycott more committedly and strongly than adults. This is encouraging and confirms that the new generation is more aware and humane.”