The decision to declare national mourning was made by the TRNC Council of Ministers, taking into account the significant loss of life and injuries resulting from the attacks on the hospital that targeted Gaza's civilian population in Palestine on October 17, 2023.

The national mourning period will be “in effect from October 19, 2023, until sunset on October 21, 2023”.

In accordance with the declaration of national mourning, flags at all public buildings within the TRNC have been lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect and solidarity.

The initial declaration of national mourning came from Palestine, and Palestinian Embassies in foreign countries opened condolence books on Thursday and Friday.

In a show of solidarity, both Türkiye and Egypt subsequently joined in declaring a period of national mourning, with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus now becoming the latest to observe this mourning period in support of the victims of the Gaza hospital bombing. (ILKHA)