Türkiye warns risk of Israel's war spreading across region 'must never be underestimated'

By Serdar Dincel and Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye on Saturday warned that the risk of Israel's attacks spreading across the region "must never be underestimated."

"We are in midst of tension that could have 'serious' repercussions globally," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul. Araghci is on a two-day visit to Türkiye that began on Friday.

Fidan said Friday's meeting with Hamas delegates discussed efforts to provide more humanitarian aid to Gazans and create international mobilization. "We consider Palestinian internal reconciliation as very important, strategic," he added.

Fidan met members of Hamas political bureau and discussed the latest developments in negotiations for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza that would allow for hostage and prisoner exchanges.

Israel has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza since a cross-border incursion by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The military campaign has turned much of the enclave of 2.3 million people into ruins, leaving most civilians homeless and at risk of famine. Israel now also continues air and ground attacks in Lebanon.