Turkish, Iranian presidents discuss Israel-Palestine conflict over phone

By Diyar Guldogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 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, Erdogan said that ending the conflicts as soon as possible is important for regional and global peace, Türkiye's Communications Directorate said on X.

Erdogan 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.

Ten days into the conflict with 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 and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

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 2,750, including 750 children.

In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.