ŞIRNEX – Peace Mothers reacted to the PKK's continued attacks despite the ceasefire decision and said, "The state says 'I will make peace' on the one hand and bombs on the other. A ceasefire cannot be one-sided, the war must stop."

 

Despite the PKK's declaration of a ceasefire following Abdullah Öcalan’s recent peace call, military operations by the Turkish state have continued in the Kurdistan Region, drawing sharp criticism from the Peace Mothers Assembly in Şırnak. The group emphasized that true peace requires action from both sides and condemned the ongoing bombardments.

 

THE STATE MUST TAKE STEPS

 

Taybet Tere, a member of the Peace Mothers, stated that continued military aggression undermines the peace process: “Mr. Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call was crucial for both Kurds and Turks. Unfortunately, the state has yet to take any concrete steps or lift the isolation imposed on Öcalan. We call on Erdoğan to extend his hand for peace. We want to live in a peaceful country with our children. Instead of spending money on tanks and bombs, factories should be built to bring peace and prosperity,” she said. “They say, ‘Let them lay down their arms,’ but it is the state that continues its attacks despite the PKK’s ceasefire.”

 

‘CEASEFIRE CANNOT BE ONE-SIDED’

 

Another Peace Mother, Kıymet Acar, criticized the lack of government response: “A process has begun, but the state still hasn’t made a move. Sick prisoners remain in jail, and the isolation must end first. This process can positively impact not just Kurds and Turks, but the entire Middle East. But for that, the war must stop. There are daily airstrikes. A ceasefire must come from both sides. If Turkey is sincere, it must stop its attacks first. Everyone should stand for peace.”

 

‘THE WAR CONTINUES’

 

Hayat Uca echoed the demand for peace, urging authorities to act, “We want the freedom of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan and all political prisoners. Nothing is more valuable than peace. The government hasn’t taken a single step and continues the war. But we, as mothers, demand peace.”

 

‘WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO LIVE FREE’

 

Fadile Malgaz added: “The state says it wants peace, yet continues its operations. Just as the PKK declared a ceasefire, so must the state. Our children have rotted in prisons. Anyone who says ‘I am Kurdish’ is thrown into jail. We only want peace—so our children can live freely by our side.”

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut