“The strongest response and the path to victory against Israel lies in unity and sincerity,” the Turkish president said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Palestinians to unite amid Israel's war in Gaza after holding hours-long talks with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul, his office said. Announced.
Turkey has repeatedly condemned Israel's invasion of Gaza, amid failed attempts to stop the conflict that has roiled the Middle East since October 7 last year.
Tensions in the region are rising as the Gaza Strip braces for a new Israeli attack on the southernmost city of Rafah, following reports of an Israeli attack on Iran on Friday.
“It is vitally important that Palestinians act in unity in this process. The strongest response against Israel and the path to victory is unity,” Erdogan said on Saturday after talks at Dolmabahce Palace, according to a statement from the Turkish president. He said that it is about honesty.
As rising tensions between Iran and Israel raise concerns about a broader regional war, President Erdogan has warned that recent events should not allow Israel to “give the upper hand and that we should keep our focus on Gaza.” It is important to act accordingly.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Hamas political director Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul.
The meeting discussed issues regarding Israeli attacks on the Palestinian territories, particularly the Gaza Strip, and what needs to be done to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supplies. pic.twitter.com/6km5Hgtzn3
— Turkiye Republic Communications Directorate (@Communications) April 20, 2024
Hamas has had an office in Turkey since 2011, when Turkey helped the organization secure an agreement to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. President Erdoğan maintains relations with the group's political leader, Haniyeh, who he visits frequently.
“Even if only I, Tayyip Erdogan, remain, as long as God gives me life, I will continue to defend the Palestinian struggle and be the voice of the oppressed Palestinian people,” the president said Wednesday in Haniya. He said this when announcing his resignation. visit.
Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said keeping the Gaza crisis on the international agenda is a top priority for Turkey.
“President Erdogan insisted that tensions between Iran and Israel should not overshadow what is happening in Gaza.” “Therefore, the Turkish side will continue its diplomatic efforts to bring this issue to the attention of the international community.”
Turkish and Egyptian FMs come together
Separately on Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met his visiting Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, and both men stressed the need to bring more humanitarian aid to the devastated Gaza Strip, where the threat of famine looms.
“We demand that Israel open six borders in the Gaza Strip to humanitarian aid,” Shukri said, adding that failure to do so would violate international law.
The ministers also called on Iran and Israel to exercise restraint after unprecedented direct attacks on each other's territory raised concerns of regional war.
Turkey is one of the Gaza Strip's main humanitarian partners, sending 45,000 tons of supplies and medicine to the area.
Israel said it was preparing for an attack on the city of Rafah, where some 1.2 million Palestinians who fled conflict in other parts of the enclave have taken refuge.
Direct Iranian attacks on Israel, followed by recently reported Iranian attacks on Israel in Isfahan province, only dampen hopes for a breakthrough in Gaza peace.
Since October, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed more than 34,000 people and injured more than 76,900.
The death toll in Israel from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack has reached 1,139 people, and dozens of prisoners are being held in Gaza.
The militants also took about 250 hostages. Israel estimates that 129 people remain in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead.