Gazan names son Recep Erdogan, after Turkish PM, to show thanks for blockade-busting campaign

By AP
Sunday, June 6, 2010

Gazan names baby Erdogan, after Turkish PM

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A Gaza man swept up in the pro-Turkey sentiments washing over the seaside strip has named his son after the Turkish prime minister.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a hero in Gaza for trying to pressure Israel to lift its blockade of the territory. Last week, nine Turkish activists were killed in a clash with Israeli soldiers on a ship trying to break the embargo.

Gaza’s population registry says a baby named Recep Erdogan was born Saturday in the town of Khan Younis.

Saleh Abu Shamala said Sunday he decided to name his third child after the Turkish premier “because he was the only leader who called to lift the unfair siege of Gaza.”

Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after the Islamic militant Hamas seized Gaza in 2007.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Gaza man swept up in the pro-Turkey sentiments washing over the seaside strip has named his son after the Turkish prime minister.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a hero in Gaza for trying to pressure Israel to lift its blockade of the territory. Last week, nine Turkish activists were killed in a clash with Israeli soldiers on a ship trying to break the embargo.

Gaza’s population registry says a baby named Recep Erdogan was born Saturday in the town of Khan Younis.

Saleh Abu Shamala said Sunday he decided to name his third child after the Turkish premier “because he was the only leader who called to lift the unfair siege of Gaza.”

Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after the Islamic militant Hamas seized Gaza in 2007.

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