Erdogan, the original version
Photo: AP
Gaza baby named Erdogan
Parents express admiration for Turkish prime minister since Israel's Gaza operation; sources say other babies named after Turkish leader likely
The Palestinian Ministry of Internal Affairs said a baby was born Saturday whose parents decided to call him Erdogan in honor of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan following Turkey's role in the flotilla to Gaza.
The news comes as the latest show of support by Palestinians, after Turkish flags were waved in Palestinian demonstrations throughout the West Bank to express solidarity with the participants of the flotilla. Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal also praised Turkey's prime minister, and called on all Arab leaders to follow his example.
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The baby's parents, residents of the Gaza Strip's Khan Younis, said they began admiring Erdogan even before the flotilla affair.
"Erdogan is a noble leader, who has lately expressed honorable positions for the benefit of the Palestinian nation, and the legitimate government in Gaza," they said.
The baby's father said his admiration began when the Turkish prime minister spoke out determinedly against the Israeli attack on Gaza, Operation Cast Lead, and especially when he left the hall during the Davos conference, when Israel's President Shimon Peres rose to speak.
"Erdogan… emphasizes his Islamic roots," he continued excitedly. "His positions have caused an increase in the morale of Gaza Strip residents and stressed the need to lift the siege immediately, especially when he specifically said that Hamas is not a terror organization."
Sources in the Gaza Strip say Erdogan from Khan Younis will not be the only one to bear the Turkish leader's name, and suggested it will become a real fashion among Gaza parents.
