Unified Turkic world will help pave way to cease-fire, lasting peace in Israel-Palestine conflict: Turkish president

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) – A unified Turkic world acting together will help pave the way to a cease-fire and permanent peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Turkish president said Friday.

"There is nothing that could justify what we have witnessed since Oct. 7," said Recep Tayyip Erdogan, referring to Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza, in a speech at the Organization of Turkic States summit in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital.

"There is no word to describe this brutality. For a full 28 days, crimes against humanity have been committed in Gaza."

On Türkiye's assistance to Palestinians affected by Israeli attacks, Erdogan said it has sent 10 plane loads of humanitarian aid to Gaza so far and will send more as conditions allow.

"Our efforts to organize an international peace conference are ongoing," he added, referring to a Turkish initiative to end the conflict.

This week the Israeli military has expanded its air and ground attacks in Gaza, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Over 10,500 people have since been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,061 Palestinians.

Türkiye will continue to take steps towards the peace, prosperity, and security of the entire Turkic world, he added.