Turkish, Iranian presidents discuss ‘unlawful’ Israeli attacks on Gaza

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – In a Sunday phone call, the Turkish and Iranian presidents discussed the “unlawful” Israeli attacks on Gaza, Turkish authorities said.

According to a statement by the Communications Directorate, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ebrahim Raisi exchanged views on the possible steps to be taken for a permanent cease-fire in the region along with humanitarian aid delivery to Palestinian people.

Erdogan stressed the importance of the Muslim world, especially Türkiye and Iran, adopting a common stance in the face of Israeli atrocities in the Palestinian territories, the statement added.

He further said that Ankara and Tehran will continue to work together for a permanent cease-fire and achieve lasting peace.

The leaders also exchanged views on the preparations and agenda of the Türkiye-Iran High Level Cooperation Council to be held in Türkiye.

A four-day humanitarian pause, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, went into effect on Friday, temporarily halting Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

In the first two days of the humanitarian pause, Israel and Hamas exchanged 41 Israelis and foreigners for 78 Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Under the agreement, the hostages and prisoners will be released in batches during the course of four days.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed at least 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave. The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.