Turkish, French presidents discuss Israel-Palestine conflict

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday had a phone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to discuss the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, the leaders discussed the humanitarian situation in the region amid the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict as well as efforts and necessary steps needed to restore peace.

Erdogan said the human rights violations against innocent civilians in Gaza are "unacceptable," and Türkiye is making efforts to deliver aid to them, the Turkish government agency said on X.

"... (Erdogan) also emphasized the importance of Western countries taking steps to reduce tensions and refraining from steps that do not contribute to peace."

He also urged the international community to listen to Türkiye's proposals based on a two-state solution for a permanent resolution to the conflict.

If approached with sincerity, a solution that would bring relief to both the region and the world could be found, Erdogan said in the phone call with Macron.

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip, a response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers' growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.