Forced migration of Palestinians 'unacceptable,' Turkish president tells Egyptian counterpart

by Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Forced migration of Palestinians is "unacceptable," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi over phone on Friday.

"Forcing the Palestinians in Gaza to migrate from their homeland is unacceptable," President Erdogan said, stressing that "Türkiye will continue to make every effort in order for peace to be ensured and for humanitarian aid as well as healthcare services to be immediately delivered to Gaza," according to a statement by the Turkish Communications Directorate.

The call addressed the Israel-Palestine conflict that is getting "increasingly graver," "human rights violations committed by Israel against the innocent civilians in Gaza," and steps that could be taken for resolution.

Saying that atrocities on the Palestinian lands were "further deepening," President Erdogan noted that the "silence of western countries" on the bombings of hospitals, schools and places of worship "causes the fire in Gaza to grow bigger."

The deadly conflict in Gaza, which is under Israel bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli strikes and blockade has pushed Gaza’s essential services and resources to the brink of collapse.​​​​​​​