Turkish president urges Germany to act on release of thousands of Palestinians held by Israel

Recep Tayyip Erdogan met German leadership on day-long visit to Berlin on Friday

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday called on Germany to take steps to release the thousands of Palestinians in Israeli custody.

"Israel is holding nearly 10,000 hostages. Take a step toward their release, Germany, and we will make an effort to save hostages held by Hamas," Erdogan said at the 62nd National Turkish Students Union General Assembly.

Erdogan was in Berlin on day-long official visit on Friday, where he met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Hamas attacked parts of Israel on Oct. 7 and took Israeli hostages into the enclave.

Since then, Israel has continued its air and ground attacks on Gaza, killing at least 12,000 Palestinians. The official death toll in Israel stands at about 1,200.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed.

Meanwhile, Israel holds thousands of Palestinian prisoners in administrative detention, without the right to a trial.

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