Turkish president, Italian premier discuss escalating Israeli attacks in Gaza in phone call

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke over the phone and discussed Israel's relentless attacks in the Gaza Strip, the Turkish Presidency said on Wednesday.

“The call addressed the escalating Israeli attacks, including human rights violations, in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis in the region,” the presidency said on X.

“Pointing out that atrocities against the Palestinian territories are deepening and civilian deaths are increasing by the minute, President Erdogan underscored that they will work for the punishment of Israel, which has committed war crimes, in international courts and that he expects support from Italy to ensure a ceasefire and lasting peace,” it added.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 40th day, at least 11,320 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,800 women and children, and more than 29,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.