LONDON — The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, barriers to aid delivery and the importance of education for Palestinian children were central themes in an address delivered by Bilal Erdogan at London Halal Forum 2026 on 11 October.
Speaking during the Palestinian Breakfast on the second day of the forum, Erdogan discussed the continuing hardship facing Palestinians and called attention to the need for sustained humanitarian support.
In remarks reported from the event, he said: “amidst the so-called ceasefire environment, unfortunately, the genocide continues every day.”
The statement reflected his assessment that a ceasefire framework had not brought an end to the suffering of civilians in Gaza. His remarks also drew attention to restrictions affecting the entry of humanitarian assistance and commercial goods into the territory.
Erdogan discussed concerns about the volume of aid reaching Gaza and referred to provisions for humanitarian deliveries that, he said, were not being met in practice. These figures and claims require confirmation against the relevant agreements and independent reporting before publication.
He also highlighted the situation of Palestinian children who have lost parents and other family members, pointing to initiatives intended to provide financial sponsorship and ongoing assistance to orphans.
Education was another major focus of his address. Erdogan spoke about the impact of the destruction of educational infrastructure on Palestinian students and the importance of preserving opportunities for higher education.
He referred to cooperation involving Ibn Haldun University and Al-Quds University, including support intended to help sustain academic opportunities for Palestinian students.
The address also touched on developments in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with concerns raised about settler violence and restrictions affecting Palestinian communities. Erdogan welcomed measures by some Western governments concerning trade with Israeli settlements and argued for further action.
London Halal Forum 2026 was held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 10–11 October under the theme “Halal Tayyib for Humanity”. Its programme covered investment, finance, tourism, technology, trade and cultural exchange, alongside sessions addressing humanitarian concerns.
The Palestinian Breakfast provided a platform for discussion of the humanitarian situation and the importance of continued international attention to the needs of Palestinian civilians, particularly children affected by conflict.
Erdogan also expressed hope that future gatherings of a similar scale could one day take place in Jerusalem in conditions of peace and harmony.
His remarks placed humanitarian relief, education and long-term support for Palestinian children among the issues raised during the forum’s second day.
