Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Monday discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, increasing tension in the region and the steps to be taken for de-escalation.
In a phone call, Erdoğan said that ending the conflicts as soon as possible is important for regional and global peace, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said on X.
Erdoğan also told Raisi that Türkiye is making “intensive efforts” in order for the humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza, it said.
He stressed that steps that increase tension should be avoided and that positive steps to be taken mutually on the Israel-Palestine issue could bring about a permanent solution.
Erdoğan-Sunak discussion
Erdoğan also discussed over the phone the current state of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the country’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.
Both leaders discussed ways to establish peace in the region and urgent measures for resolving the severe humanitarian crisis.
Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye expects effective initiatives from the international community, particularly Western countries, against human rights violations in Gaza.
He stressed the importance of remembering and fulfilling the promises made to Palestine over the years, instead of taking provocative actions that deepen the crisis.
The conflict between Palestine and Israel
Ten days into the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over 1 million people – almost half the total population of Gaza – having been displaced, according to the UN Relief Agency for Palestinians.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out, as civilians flee to the south following Israeli warning to evacuate northern areas.
The fighting began when Hamas on Oct. 7 initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.
The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to at least 2,750, including 750 children.
In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.